TL;DR
- Cloud9 chooses European bootcamp over traditional Korean preparation for Worlds 2019
- Strategic decision focuses on travel efficiency and regional meta adaptation
- Western teams may gain advantage through shared practice environments
- Jungle-mid synergy emerges as decisive factor across all regions
- Direct main event qualification allows focused preparation time

Head coach Bok “Reapered” Han-gyu has officially announced Cloud9’s unconventional decision to conduct their pre-Worlds training camp in European territory rather than following the established Korean bootcamp tradition.
Following their narrow defeat in the 2019 LCS Summer Finals, where Cloud9 came agonizingly close to securing the championship title in a fiercely contested series, the team demonstrates remarkable psychological resilience by immediately transitioning their focus toward international competition.
Rather than dwelling on their championship series disappointment, Cloud9’s roster maintains forward-looking determination, channeling their energy into comprehensive preparation for the 2019 World Championship. The organization benefits from direct qualification into the Main Event, bypassing both regional finals and the Play-In stage entirely.
Cloud9’s European Preparation for 2019 World Championship
Cloud9’s strategic pivot to European bootcamping represents a significant departure from conventional Western team preparation methods. Coach Reapered elaborated during post-match discussions that geographical efficiency drives this tactical choice, with the World Championship unfolding across multiple European venues.
Traditional Korean bootcamps offer superior solo queue competition quality and scrimmage opportunities against LCK powerhouses, yet Cloud9 prioritizes reduced travel fatigue and regional meta immersion. This approach may signal an emerging trend among Western organizations, with Team Liquid’s Netherlands facility presenting an ideal training environment following The International’s conclusion.
Remaining in Europe potentially grants Western squads distinctive strategic benefits against Asian opponents. The meta-game exhibits dramatic regional variations, with LEC teams pioneering unconventional bottom lane combinations like Garen and Yuumi, while LPL and LCK maintain more traditional compositional approaches.
Teams must navigate substantial adaptation challenges when transitioning between regional metas. The condensed European practice environment facilitates accelerated Western team collaboration and counter-strategy development against common Asian playstyles. For comprehensive team strategies, consult our Class Guide for optimal role specialization.
One universal competitive principle transcends all regional boundaries: the jungle-mid lane coordination dynamic. Throughout playoff competitions globally, this partnership synergy consistently distinguishes elite teams from average performers.
Organizations including Cloud9, Team Liquid, G2 Esports, and SK Telecom T1 have demonstrated exceptional performance through their coordinated jungle-mid duos. This partnership requires precise timing, shared strategic vision, and complementary champion pools. To master individual performance, explore our Weapons Unlock guide for optimal loadout configuration.
Action Checklist
- Analyze regional meta differences between LEC, LPL, and LCK
- Develop counter-strategies for common Asian team compositions
- Practice jungle-mid coordination with focus on timing and vision control
- Establish communication protocols for in-game decision making
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » Reapered confirms Cloud9 to bootcamp in Europe before Worlds Cloud9's strategic European bootcamp decision analyzed with tactical insights for Worlds 2019 preparation
