In a video announcement, North American organization Cloud9 has confirmed the benching of Tyson “TenZ” Ngo in place of Yassine “Subroza” Taoufik on a trial basis.
Cloud9 welcomes Yassine "Subroza" Taoufik on a trial basis. (Image screencapped from Cloud9 video)
Subroza will be field-tested at ECS Season 8 North America and BLAST Pro Series Copenhagen at the beginning of November. As for TenZ, the 18-year old Canadian hybrid rifler will remain on the team in an inactive role until further notice.
Cloud9’s head coach James “JamezIRL” Macaulay expressed the decision to move TenZ to the bench was in the best interest of the team, saying: “We think it’s the best decision moving forward,” JamezIRL said. “There’s a clash in desired playstyle among him and the rest of the team. I think he has great potential to be on a pro team in the future but I don’t think now is the right time for him to be playing with us.”
Subroza will reunite with former Ghost Gaming teammate Kenneth “koosta” Suen who joined Cloud9 in early July. Additionally, the 22-year old ex-Swole Patrol member will resume a position under the command of JamezIRL, who coached Subroza throughout his time at Ghost Gaming as well as Torqued. On the Subroza signing, JamezIRL added: “We think that he’s going to be a really good fit because he’s experienced and has a great personality.”
Cloud9’s CS:GO division has wrestled with its identity seemingly since its infamous ELEAGUE Boston Major win, with a complete deficit of title finishes since. The North American band had perhaps set rather weighty expectations on themselves after reaching a grand final at the ELEAGUE CS:GO Invitational 2019 early in the year, but dropping off in form significantly afterwards. This year alone has seen a myriad of roster changes for Cloud9 on the note of identity, welcoming and relieving players such as Robin “flusha” Rönnquist, Jordan “Zellsis” Montemurro, Fabien “kioShiMa” Fiey and most recently Will “RUSH” Wierzba.
Cloud9’s new fifth will debut next week during Week 4 of ECS Season 8 North America against INTZ.
Cloud9 will now field:
Timothy “autimatic” Ta
Kenneth “koosta” Suen
Damian “daps” Steele
Oscar “mixwell” Cañellas
Yassine “Subroza” Taoufik (trial)
James “JamezIRL” Macaulay (coach)
Tyson “TenZ” Ngo (benched)
