Cloud9 has signed alym, Derrek and nightz to finish a rebuilt VALORANT lineup around GLYPH and FireBallOps. Without a VCT partner slot, the team must now earn a 2027 Americas Kickoff place through the North America qualifier.
Cloud9 will begin its 2027 VALORANT campaign past the open qualifiers but short of Kickoff. Its invitation does not place the team directly in the 2027 Americas Kickoff. The new lineup still has to win its way through.
The roster is now complete. The newcomers’ full names are Torogul “alym” Baidyldaev, Derrek “Derrek” Ha and Christian “nightz” Smith. Their teammates are FireBallOps, on the roster since 2026-05-29, and GLYPH. Ian “Immi” Harding returns as head coach.
The three signings arrive from different 2026 roles. alym played entry Duelist for FURIA. nightz joined ENVY partway through the season and mostly played Controller. Derrek played for M80 and QoR. ENVY and QoR are both on the list of teams invited to the qualifier.
The rebuild follows a difficult season. Cloud9 finished sixth at Kickoff in 2026. It went 1-4 in the Stage 1 group stage. The year ended with a 1-2 exit in the Stage 2 play-ins.
On October 19, Cloud9 said on X that Riot had not picked it as a VCT partner for 2027. The team said it would keep competing in VALORANT. It has not played an international event since 2023, THESPIKE reported.
The roster changes followed quickly. On November 2, Cloud9 released Zellsis, OXY and Jackk and signed GLYPH. GLYPH’s contract terms and length were not disclosed.
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