Cloud9 signs es3tag in a $2.1 million deal

Cloud9 has finalized a monumental roster enhancement for their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive division by securing Danish professional Patrick “es3tag” Hansen in what represents one of the most significant player movements in recent esports history.

The Danish organization Astralis utilized their official Twitter platform to verify the groundbreaking transfer of their star rifler to the North American competitive powerhouse.

Astralis and Cloud9 have finalized the transfer agreement for Patrick
@es3tag
Hansen transitioning from Astralis to
@Cloud9.

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The player movement becomes official following DH Open Fall. We aim to conclude this competitive chapter with appropriate professionalism. ????#ToTheStars
pic.twitter.com/W7xdsqBpTJ
— Astralis Counter-Strike (@AstralisCS)
October 15, 2020

Es3tag’s integration into Cloud9’s strategic framework culminates an extensive restructuring initiative within the North American organization’s CS:GO competitive division. The addition of this versatile lurker specialist enables Cloud9 to commence coordinated five-player training regimens for imminent major tournaments.

The Danish professional competitor formally became part of Astralis during July, initially serving as temporary replacement for Andreas “Xyp9x” Højsleth during his competitive hiatus. He effectively assumed the role previously held by the legendary clutch specialist, with his exceptional performance during ESL Pro League competition significantly contributing to the team securing their first championship victory following the return of strategic leader Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander.

This elite rifler joined the organization during a period of unprecedented competitive challenges, playing a pivotal role in helping the squad reclaim their dominant position as Denmark’s premier competitive team. Astralis simultaneously recovered their coveted top global ranking position with es3tag as an integral component of their competitive roster.

Through an official media statement, Astralis Chief Executive Officer Anders Horsholtarticulated his aspiration to potentially collaborate with Es3tag in future competitive endeavors.

“As both a competitive player and professional individual, Patrick’s absence will be felt across our entire organization, and I maintain hope that he might eventually rejoin the Astralis competitive family. We extend our sincerest competitive wishes for his future success!” Horsholt emphasized.

Es3tag’s deal is worth a total $2.1 million

Es3tag establishes himself as Cloud9’s most substantial financial investment in player acquisition, with the agreement valued at $2.1 million distributed across a comprehensive three-year contractual period. Previously, Cloud9 secured agreements with Alex “ALEX” McMeekin and Özgür “woxic” Eker for contractual values of $1.65 million and $1.3 million respectively, establishing a clear financial progression in their recruitment strategy.

Cloud9’s General Manager Henry “HenryG” Greer pioneered an innovative approach to player acquisition announcements by revealing unprecedented levels of contractual detail, including comprehensive transfer compensation figures. However, in contrast to previous Cloud9 contractual disclosures, these specific financial arrangements were intended to remain confidential, according to statements from Astralis’ sports management leadership.

“Astralis and Cloud9 have mutually agreed to refrain from additional public discussion regarding the financial specifics of this agreement,” Kasper Hvidt, Astralis’ Director of Sports Operations, confirmed.

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Following es3tag’s departure from their competitive lineup, Astralis’ ambitious dual-team roster strategy targeting ten professional players may require strategic reassessment. The Danish CS:GO competitive organization currently maintains six players under contract and will participate in Blast Premier Fall competitive series with Xyp9x functioning in a specialized support role. These competitive adjustments become officially effective upon completion of the Dreamhack Fall competitive series.

Cloud9’s strategic player acquisition initiative remains ongoing, as HenryG previously indicated the organization’s intention to maintain a six-player roster configuration. The competitive squad continues to maintain one available position for substitute or rotational players.

Cloud9’s finalized competitive roster following Es3tag’s acquisition:

• Alex “ALEX” McMeekin
• William “mezii” Merriman
• Özgür “woxic” Eker
• Ricky “floppy” Kemery
• Patrick “es3tag” Hansen

Astralis’ current six-player competitive roster configuration:

• Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander
• Emil “Magisk” Reif
• Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen
• Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz
• Andreas “Xyp9x” Højsleth
• Lucas “Bubzkji” Andersen

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Cloud9 signs es3tag in a $2.1 million deal Cloud9 completes $2.1 million es3tag acquisition, reshaping CS:GO competitive landscape with strategic roster moves