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Cloud9 are reportedly looking to replace Russian rifler Timofey “interz” Yakushi on their Counter-Strike: Global Offensive roster.
The report was first made known by CIS leaker Alexey “OverDrive” Birukov, but has now been confirmed by multiple sources. However, it has yet to be made official by the organization.
The reports have also revealed that Cloud9 are contemplating a possible replacement from a list of credible options including Uzbek player Sanjar “SANJI” Kuliev, Kazakhstani Timur “buster” Tulepov, and 22-year-old Russian Igor “Forester” Bezotecheskiy.
If the mail proves to be accurate, one of those players will join in-game leader Vladislav “nafany” Gorshkov, Dmitriy “sh1ro” Sokolov, Sergey “Ax1Le” Rykhtorov, and Abai “HObbit” Hasenov, along with coach Konstantin “groove” Pikiner.
The lineup has been unchanged for a while, and if the replacement of interz goes through, it will be the first adjustment since July 29, 2020, when HObbit joined the roster. The lineup, which was first formed under Gambit Youngsters, has since played under Gambit Esports and, most recently, Cloud9.
Interz started his rookie career with Comanche in 2017. He then represented a few other low-tier franchises before making his way to Gambit Youngsters in 2019.
Forester currently plays under the banner of the Czech Republic professional esports franchise Entropiq. However, he was placed on the transfer list on October 13 and is possibly on his way out.
Buster and SANJI are currently playing for the Russian franchise Virtus.pro, under the ‘Outsiders’ banner. However, both players have been placed on the team’s bench, with buster sidelined since May and SANJI in October. Outsiders, who recently clinched the Intel Extreme Masters Rio Major title, will most likely not be making any changes to their roster.
The second half of the 2022 season was not particularly successful for Cloud9. They their way to the semifinals of ESL Pro League Season 16 but crashed out at the hands of Team Liquid after a 1-2 loss. They also advanced to the quarterfinals of the IEM Rio Major but suffered yet another 1-2 defeat, this time dealt by German franchise Mouz.
The first half of the campaign was a different story, as C9 won the IEM Dallas 2022 event after sweeping ENCE in the grand finals. They did not find success at the PGL Antwerp Major, nor did they make any significant strides in other events.
