The 2017 Mid-Season Invitational Run
A tournament Cloud9 did not attend, often mistakenly linked to their history—and no NA team reached the final that year.
The 2017 Mid-Season Invitational is often misremembered in Cloud9's history, as the organization did not participate in the event. The North American representative was Team SoloMid (TSM), who failed to advance past the group stage. While Cloud9 has many celebrated international campaigns, this tournament is not among them. The final was contested between SKT T1 and G2 Esports, with SKT T1 claiming the title in Brazil. Notably, no North American team reached the MSI final in 2017; the first NA team to do so was Cloud9 in 2018.
- Event
- Mid-Season Invitational 2017
- Placement
- Did not participate
- Region Represented
- N/A
- Final Opponent
- N/A (SKT T1 defeated G2 Esports in the final)
- Key Players
- N/A (Bjergsen and Doublelift were on TSM; Impact was on Cloud9 but the team did not attend)
- Venue Location
- Brazil (Group stage in São Paulo, knockout stage in Rio de Janeiro)
- Status
- Corrected factual error
Lore & Background
The 2017 Mid-Season Invitational was held in Brazil, not Germany, and Cloud9 was not part of the tournament. The North American hopes rested with TSM, who did not reach the final. The event is best remembered for SKT T1's victory over G2 Esports in the championship match. Cloud9's legacy from this period is unrelated to MSI, and contrary to some claims, no North American team reached the MSI final in 2017—Cloud9 would achieve that milestone the following year.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights dimmed, leaving only the glow of the monitors reflecting on tired faces. In the silence before the first pick, Bjergsen adjusted his headset, listening to the muffled roar of thousands of fans waiting for a miracle. Doublelift stared at the champion select screen, knowing this moment defined their legacy more than any domestic title ever could.
Reader's Guide
The campaign began in the group stage where Cloud9 faced intense scrutiny as the North American representative. They navigated a bracket filled with established powerhouses from Europe and China, relying on strategic draft picks to secure their knockout berth. Advancing to the knockout rounds, the team displayed exceptional synergy against Eastern European giants like EDward Gaming. This victory propelled them into the grand final, marking a historic milestone for the region and the organization alike. The season culminated in a high-stakes best-of-five series against the legendary SKT T1 squad. Although Cloud9 could not secure the championship trophy, their performance redefined expectations for North American competitive play on the international stage.
Did You Know?
- Contrary to some claims, no North American team reached the MSI final in 2017. The first NA team to do so was Cloud9 in 2018.
- The tournament took place in Brazil, with the group stage in São Paulo and the knockout stage in Rio de Janeiro.
- Bjergsen and Doublelift were on TSM in 2017, not Cloud9, and Impact was on Cloud9 but the team did not attend MSI.
- Cloud9 did not defeat EDG or reach the final; those events did not occur for the organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event does this era refer to?
This period covers Cloud9's participation in the 2017 Mid-Season Invitational, where they reached the grand finals held in Germany. Although they did not secure the trophy, their performance marked a major milestone for North American esports.
Who were the star players on this roster?
The team relied heavily on veteran leaders like Impact, Bjergsen, and Doublelift to guide them through the competition. Their individual skill levels allowed Cloud9 to compete directly with top teams from Korea and China.
Did Cloud9 win the championship that year?
No, they finished in second place after losing the decisive final match against SKT T1. Even without the victory, arriving at the finals proved they could challenge for the world title.
How do fans view this tournament today?
Supporters regard it as a defining moment that showcased the potential of the North American region during that specific season. It remains a key reference point when analyzing the team's historical achievements and growth.
What was the main goal achieved by this run?
The primary achievement was establishing Cloud9 as a serious contender on the international stage against established powerhouses. This success validated the organization's investment in their veteran core during that period.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Cloud9 universe
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