Cloud9 Sweep LOUD 2–0 to Open Kickoff 2026 Playoffs
Cloud9 started VCT Americas: Kickoff 2026 with a 2–0 win over LOUD, taking Haven 13–7 and edging Abyss 13–11. OXY led Cloud9 with 38 kills, while lukxo topped LOUD with 40 in the series.
Cloud9 Sweep LOUD 2–0 to Open Kickoff 2026 Playoffs
Cloud9 opened VCT Americas: Kickoff 2026 with a clean 2–0 win over LOUD on Friday, January 16, 2026, taking control early and closing out a tight second map to secure the series.
Map results
Map 1 — Haven: Cloud9 win 13–7
Map 2 — Abyss: Cloud9 win 13–11
Cloud9 set the tone on Haven with a convincing four-round margin, then held strong on Abyss as LOUD pushed the map down to the wire.
Standout performers
LOUD’s lukxo did everything possible to keep the series competitive, finishing with 40 kills and a 1.25 K/D across the two maps. For Cloud9, OXY led the way with 38 kills, while penny provided major impact with 34 kills and a 1.31 K/D, helping C9 close out both maps.
What’s next
With the win, Cloud9 advance in the upper bracket to face NRG Esports vs Cloud9 on January 17, 2026. LOUD drop to the lower bracket and are scheduled for Leviatan vs Cloud9 on January 24, 2026.