North American esports organisation Cloud9 has signed Maximilian ‘Demon1‘ Mazanov as an alternative choice to its VALORANT roster.
Demon1 joins the organisation after Francis ‘OXY‘ Hoang returned residence following the latest passing of his mom.
Introduced on January twenty second, 2026, Demon1 will compete for Cloud9 in the course of the second week of VCT Americas Kickoff, the place the organisation faces off towards Leviatan in its first mid bracket match going down on January twenty fifth.
All through his four-year taking part in profession, Demon1 has cemented his place as one of many area’s most recognisable. In 2023, he gained VALORANT Champions beneath the Evil Geniuses banner. Furthermore, at VALORANT Champions 2025, the participant joined Dragon Ranger Gaming, securing a top-16 end.
Cloud9 is the fifth organisation Demon1 has joined throughout his profession. Armed with a wealth of expertise in high-profile tournaments, the participant has a possibility to reestablish his identify among the many American scene with a powerful displaying as Cloud9’s substitute.
Cloud9 VALORANT In 2026
Cloud9’s VALORANT season started on the entrance foot due to an MVP-worthy efficiency from OXY in a snug 2-0 sweep over LOUD in its opening Kickoff match. Defeat to NRG within the higher bracket quarter-final noticed the staff drop into the mid bracket.
Demon1 is a powerful substitute for Cloud9 to signal, because it appears to be like to proceed its run by the mid bracket and makes an attempt to safe one in all three qualification spots for VALORANT Masters Santiago.
Esports Insider would additionally like to increase its condolences to OXY, his household, and buddies throughout this troublesome time.
