TL;DR
- Cloud9 nears dual signings of Xeppaa as sixth player and Elmapuddy as head coach
- Extended roster strategy enables player rotation and specialized role assignments
- Elmapuddy brings previous Cloud9 experience amid coaching market instability
- Roster changes position Cloud9 for IEM Katowice 2021 competitive campaign
- Organization building comprehensive support structure around core lineup
North American esports organization Cloud9 is executing a comprehensive team restructuring strategy, with multiple sources confirming imminent acquisitions of professional player Erick “Xeppaa” Bach and former Gen.G coach Chris “Elmapuddy” Tebbit. These parallel negotiations represent a significant investment in building competitive depth beyond the starting five.
The organization’s systematic approach to roster development demonstrates a shift toward long-term sustainability rather than short-term fixes. This methodology aligns with emerging trends in professional Counter-Strike where organizations maintain seven-to-eight player rosters for tactical flexibility.
Initial reporting from 1pvr indicated Cloud9’s advanced negotiations for Xeppaa, with sources suggesting the transfer agreement is in finalization stages. The 21-year-old American rifler represents a strategic addition to HenryG’s developing project.
Xeppaa’s acquisition provides a career resurgence opportunity following Chaos Esports’ dissolution from competitive Counter-Strike. Many former Chaos players faced limited professional opportunities after the organization’s exit, making this Cloud9 opportunity particularly valuable for career development.
Cloud9’s current five-player lineup has demonstrated promising chemistry across recent tournaments, making immediate replacements unlikely. However, General Manager Henry “HenryG” Greer previously confirmed plans for expanded roster capabilities, positioning Xeppaa’s addition as part of this strategic vision.
The extended roster model offers multiple competitive advantages: strategic player rotation during marathon tournament schedules, specialized map pool expertise, and injury/illness contingency planning. Organizations like Astralis and Vitality have demonstrated the effectiveness of six-player rotations in managing player burnout.
Cloud9’s roster development extends beyond player acquisitions to coaching staff reinforcement. Following Xeppaa’s reported signing, Rush B Media revealed Cloud9’s pursuit of Elmapuddy to assume head coaching responsibilities alongside in-game leader ALEX.
The coaching vacancy emerged from Aleksandar “kassad” Trifunović’s departure due to strategic differences with Alex “ALEX” McMeekin. This coaching change represents a philosophical alignment effort between leadership and tactical direction.
- Coach kassad leaves Cloud9 following clash with ALEX
HenryG provided encouraging updates to Rush B Media regarding coaching negotiations: “While nothing has been made official as of yet, it is no secret that we are in deep talks with Chris ‘Elmapuddy’ Tebbit. He’s an absolutely fantastic coach and negotiations are going extremely well.”
Elmapuddy’s availability coincides with Gen.G’s CS:GO division being on the transfer market. In the current coaching landscape, where several coaches face scrutiny regarding exploit compliance, Elmapuddy represents a stable, experienced option with established Cloud9 familiarity.
His previous tenure as Cloud9 assistant coach provides institutional knowledge and existing relationships with organizational leadership. This background facilitates smoother integration compared to external candidates requiring extensive onboarding periods.
Cloud9 colossus’ new roster if the deals materialize:
- Alex “ALEX“ McMeekin
- Özgür “woxic“ Eker
- William “mezii“ Merriman
- Ricky “floppy“ Kemery
- Patrick “es3tag“ Hansen
- Erick “Xeppaa“ Bach
- Chris “Elmapuddy“ Tebbit (coach)
This seven-person configuration (including coach) establishes Cloud9 with one of North America’s most complete roster structures. The balance between experienced international players and developing North American talent creates synergistic potential for tactical innovation.
Cloud9’s timeline for official announcements aligns with their competitive calendar preparation. The organization faces its first significant test at IEM Katowice 2021 on February 16, creating urgency for finalized roster decisions.
The coaching stability provided by Elmapuddy’s potential hiring addresses a critical organizational need following kassad’s departure. His familiarity with Cloud9’s infrastructure and existing relationships with management streamline the transition process.
Professional Counter-Strike teams typically require 2-3 weeks for new roster integration and strategic development. This timeline positions Cloud9 for potential roster reveals within the coming weeks to maximize preparation time.
The extended roster model represents a strategic evolution in how organizations approach competitive sustainability. By investing in depth beyond the starting five, Cloud9 positions itself for long-term success in the evolving competitive landscape.
Action Checklist
- Monitor official Cloud9 social media for Xeppaa and Elmapuddy announcement (Expected within 1-2 weeks)
- Review IEM Katowice 2021 group stage draw (February 16)
- Analyze Cloud9’s first tournament performance with new roster configuration
- Track player rotation patterns and specialized role assignments during tournaments
- Compare Cloud9’s extended roster performance against traditional five-player teams
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Reports say Cloud9 close to signing Xeppaa and coach Elmapuddy Cloud9's strategic roster expansion with Xeppaa and Elmapuddy signals new competitive direction