“Before I took over full-time IGLing, I was a big voice on all my teams” – Zellsis on his and Cloud9’s growth after Leviatán win

Hotspawn spoke with Cloud9’s Jordan “Zellsis” Montemurro after Cloud9’s win against Leviatán in the lower bracket, keeping their VCT Americas Kickoff run alive, as well as their hopes for a place at Masters Santiago.

Hotspawn: It was a very, very dominant performance that you were able to showcase against Leviatán on both maps today. It felt like you were calling every single round so well. Your reads were perfect today.

How are you feeling after that? 

Zellsis: “I had a very good day individually. I’ve been up in the caffeine intake, so I think that helps a little bit. But I mean, I’m really happy right now just because I had a good day individually and I feel like my team in general had a very good day as well. I think everyone played really well. I think people had good comms, good energy. I think we were slipping up a little bit on Breeze, but we brought it back, and so I’m happy with the performance that we had today.”

Hotspawn: I wanted to touch upon the transition from SEN to here. Not just in terms of gameplay, but also how you’ve prepared for it and how you’ve leaned into it:

How has it been like taking up that IGL role for you?

Zellsis: “I think it’s just a lot of learning. I think before I took over full-time IGLing, I was a big voice on all my teams. Every single version I’ve ever been on — Version1, C9, SEN — I’ve just been a big voice always. So that part of it isn’t new.

“I think a lot of it was me learning that I had to be more present in the freeze time. I had to be more present with my teammates, with the calls and everything like that. If they have a call, I need to let them fly or don’t, you know what I mean? Things like that. And it was a lot of trial and error for me. I think every match I have, I get more confident within myself. So I just want to keep playing and keep doing it. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, then that’s the reality.

“But I feel like so far the only thing that’s been bad is a couple of our attack halves against some really top teams, which is bound to be expected. I’m not expecting to be perfect by any means, but my team trusts me a lot. My org trusts me a lot. So the transition from SEN to here was very smooth. It’s just a lot of trial and error and making sure that I’m learning and moving the right pieces for myself and for my team.”

Hotspawn: On the roster in particular, there’s a lot of firepower.

Does it sometimes get difficult to keep people from overheating?

Zellsis: “There is definitely a problem on this team for people overheating, for sure. That is a big focal point for us. But I think people are keen on learning and they want to win and get better. So it’s been an important thing for us to point out, Immi and myself included. I think overall we’ve had several team talks making sure that everyone is keeping everyone accountable. So I think it’s been getting better and better, and people are learning what they can and can’t do.”

Hotspawn: Talking about upcoming games:

Is there any particular team you’re excited to face?

Zellsis: “Our next match is against 100 Thieves. I really wanted to play EG just because I wanted to poop on bao. I like to think of him as my son. I think he’s a very talented kid. But yeah, I wanted to play EG because of him and OXY too. I really like those guys. But I’m happy with 100 Thieves. Me and Bang, we’re out of the SEN trenches. Either one, it doesn’t matter to me.”

Hotspawn: Do you want to play G2 or NRG again?

Zellsis: “I think I’d like to play G2. That series should have either gone three maps or our way. We were in such a good spot on Corrode. Even on Bind, we got Thrifty’d three times. We lost pistol on attack. It was a lot of unfortunate solo mistakes that G2 capitalized on, which is why they’re so good.

“I’ve always struggled with G2, so I’d like to get over that hurdle. If we beat 100 Thieves and then beat G2, that would be really strong for me mentally going forward.”

Sky high performance. @C9VAL takes Bind 13-5! #VCTAmericas pic.twitter.com/CdtAmpnwfs

— VALORANT Esports NA (@valesportsna) February 8, 2026

Hotspawn: How do you balance IGLing while still needing to frag?

Zellsis: “Well, I’ve only had a few games where I’ve shot my gun, so I’m still learning, but I think I can get there. I think it’s a balance thing for me. I don’t think by any means that I can’t shoot my gun. Sure, I have some maps that are really bad, but that happens. Even star players have bad maps.

“For me, it’s about consistency. I’m aim training with OXY. I’m working as an IGL. It’s a lot, but I love esports and I want to keep playing. I want to win a trophy.”

Hotspawn: You said before that winning a trophy was your biggest goal.

Now that you’ve done it, what’s next?

Zellsis: “My hunger for Champions is way more than before. I want to be solidified. I want to lift Champions one day. If I can add more Masters along the way, that’d be great too.”

Hotspawn: How do you bounce back after a loss or a rough half?

Zellsis: “You just can’t give up. I’ve been down 10–2. I’ve been up 10–2. I’ve been 13–0’d. It’s Valorant. Anything can happen. Life is basically just not giving up and giving your all, all the time.”

Hotspawn: When you were on SEN, you were hardcore selling that Classic. 

Are you going to do the same thing for the C9?

Zellsis: “Everyone buy the C9 bundle.

“I’m the bundle guy. I made the bundle army. You have to follow your commander. I’m the commander. Me. I’m the captain. Look at me. You’re my army, my soldiers. You buy the C9 bundle.”

Hotspawn: I’ll leave that in.

Zellsis: “Thank you. I appreciate it.”