Demon1 steps in for Cloud9’s OXY during VCT Americas Kickoff

Cloud9 have announced that Maximilian “Demon1” Mazanov will temporarily join their VALORANT roster this weekend to cover for Francis “OXY” Hoang, who is taking time away from competition due to a family tragedy. The substitute signing comes as Cloud9 prepare for a crucial VCT Americas 2026 Kickoff match against Leviatán, a series with major implications in the middle bracket.

OXY’s Absence: Personal Loss and Team Support

Cloud9 confirmed that OXY will be absent from their upcoming matches owing to a family emergency, later revealed by the player on social media as the passing of his mother following a battle with cancer. In his post, OXY described the loss as devastating and explained that he would miss the weekend’s games to attend his mother’s funeral, urging fans to cherish their loved ones. The organization fully supports OXY’s decision and has asked for privacy as he takes the time he needs with family.

As Cloud9’s primary duelist and a key contributor across the 2025 season, his departure leaves a significant gap in both firepower and playmaking for a team already adjusting to roster changes ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Demon1’s Role and What He Brings

Demon1 is a name that resounds loudly within the VALORANT scene, particularly for fans of early franchising and international competition. He first exploded onto the scene in 2023 as part of Evil Geniuses, where he was a driving force behind their VCT 2023: Champions victory, earning the MVP award for his extraordinary performance in the Grand Final and across the event. His impact that year was undeniable, helping EG secure one of the most celebrated upset runs in VCT history.

Since that peak, Demon1’s career has seen ups and downs. Following his international success, he moved to Leviatán for the 2025 season but was released after Americas Stage 1 amid organizational restructuring and uneven results. In 2025 Champions, he filled in as a stand-in with Dragon Ranger Gaming, playing Sentinel and contributing meaningful rounds despite limited preparation time.

Without our monster, we needed a demon

So we got one.

Welcome @Demon1___ to Cloud9 VALORANT pic.twitter.com/JLyPKZkDxn

— Cloud9 VALORANT (@C9VAL) January 22, 2026

His most recent free-agent status made him a natural fit for Cloud9’s temporary needs, and this will be the fifth VCT team he plays for in his career. While his roles have shifted over time, from Duelist to Controller to Sentinel, his raw firepower and experience under pressure remain valuable assets in a short-practice scenario like this weekend’s kickoff matches.

For Cloud9, the priority under these circumstances is clear: maintain momentum, support their teammate during a difficult personal period, and lean on Demon1’s competitive acumen to see them through what could be pivotal matches. His presence also provides strategic flexibility, as he has played both entry and supportive roles at the highest level and can slot into Cloud9’s existing setup without major structural disruption.

For Demon1 himself, this is an opportunity to rekindle his presence on the professional stage and remind fans of the elite level he reached in 2023. Despite the challenges of the past two years, his trajectory remains one of the most compelling stories in Valorant esports: a former world champion trying to climb back into peak form.

Cloud9 enter the VCT Americas Kickoff looking to secure a strong foundation for the 2026 season. The team’s current core features Xeppaa, v1c, Zellsis, penny, and OXY, with Immi as head coach. Despite a strong roster, Cloud9 have faced their own challenges over recent seasons, finishing outside major international qualification spots throughout 2025. The absence of OXY adds another layer of difficulty as the team faces Leviatán on January 24, 2026 and potentially another series the following day in the middle bracket of the triple-elimination Kickoff format.