Report: Cloud9 closing in on vanity acquisition

Cloud9 Cloud9 North America Rank #7 Xeppaa Erick Bach v1c Victor Truong mitch Mitch Semago moose Kaleb Jayne OXY Francis Hoang are close to inking a deal to acquire Anthony "vanity" Malaspina from Version1 Version1 Inactive , according to reports from Upcomer and Rush B Media. VLR.gg have independently verified the reports.

The report comes days following news of Version1 allowing their in-game leader vanity to explore options outside of the organization. Cloud9 Blue were among one of the first organizations to lock into talks with the player, with the deal now reportedly in its final stages.

Cloud9 Blue's signing of vanity would notably reunite the in-game leader with his former CS:GO teammates of Nathan "leaf" Orf and Erick "Xeppaa" Bach, who both rose to prominence in the North American CS:GO scene under the leadership of vanity and Joshua "steel" Nissan.

While both reports indicate the team are likely to move to a six-man roster, VLR.gg's understanding of the situation indicates a benching has been on the table. It is unknown if another change will be made prior to the end of the VCT season.

Additionally, while an official announcement has yet to be made, Upcomer, Rush B Media, and VLR.gg sources indicate that Ricky "floppy" Kemery has been inactive on the roster for the past month. It is unknown if floppy will practice with the main roster should Cloud9 Blue confirm a deal with vanity.

After being denied a spot in Stage 3's Challengers 2 by Luminosity, Cloud9 Blue are in contention for a spot in the NA Last Chance Qualifier, pending the final results of Stage 3.

Should the deal go through, Cloud9 Cloud9 North America Rank #7 Xeppaa Erick Bach v1c Victor Truong mitch Mitch Semago moose Kaleb Jayne OXY Francis Hoang would field:

Son "xeta" Seon-ho (손선호)
Erick "Xeppaa" Bach
Nathan "leaf" Orf
Mitch "mitch" Semago
Michael "poiz" Possis
Anthony "vanity" Malaspina
Ricky "floppy" Kemery (Inactive)
Yoon "Autumn" Eu-ddeum (윤으뜸) (Head coach)
James "JamezIRL" Macaulay (Assistant coach)

i dont understand c9b sometimes, at one point they were discussed in high regards (like envy) based on scrims just causing havoc. No discredit to rise, this is very improtant. vanity would be able to hold the team together and accountable, already having rapport with leaf and xeppa. he would also be a resource of knowledge to poiz helping him progress as a player. the only interesting part here is who does c9b bench or move? mitch would be replaced as igl for sure but he has been so damn consistent playing sents and smokes. xeta has also been solid i wouldnt go as far to say BcJ good but near that tier of sova player. poiz is their awper and jett he has had his moments but sometimes looks sheepish on jett, which not a bad thing he seems to be working well as a system player that their igl or coaching is calling. poiz is just young and we have seen flashes that im sure we want to see on the regular.