North American esports organisation Cloud9 has officially entered Valve's Deadlock esports scene after signing the undefeated Melee Creeps roster. The announcement, made on November 9, 2026, brings one of the strongest North American teams under the Cloud9 banner.
The signing gives Cloud9 an established six-player lineup with a proven competitive record rather than building a new roster from scratch.
Six consecutive Night Shift victories
Melee Creeps has established itself as a dominant force in the North American Deadlock scene, winning six consecutive Night Shift tournaments. The team has also remained undefeated since its current roster was formed.
The lineup includes Isaiah "Saiah" Mendoza, Jonathon "JonJon" Gross, Sobhan "AVG" Pirasteh, Trentin "League" Rowand, Trivon "Lomein" Pham and Alex "Zeno" Isakayev.
Saiah and JonJon have been part of the project since May 2025, while the additions of AVG, League, Lomein and Zeno helped the roster achieve its recent success.
Cloud9 returns to Valve esports
The move marks Cloud9's return to competing in a Valve title after approximately 22 months. The organisation closed its Counter-Strike division in January 2025.
Cloud9 previously made history by becoming the first and, to date, only North American organisation to win a Counter-Strike Major with a North American roster, securing the ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018 title.
With this signing, Cloud9 becomes the second North American organisation after Your Favorite Player (YFP) to enter Deadlock's competitive scene.
Deadlock's growing competitive scene
Developed by Valve, Deadlock combines Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) gameplay with third-person hero-shooter mechanics. The game features six-versus-six matches in which teams push forward, destroy towers and attempt to eliminate their opponents' Patrons.
Deadlock has been available through an invitation-only closed beta since August 2024 and does not yet have an official release date.
Cloud9's entry comes amid growing organisational interest in the game, particularly following its major update, City Never Sleeps. By acquiring an undefeated roster, the organisation secures an established competitive foundation as Deadlock's esports ecosystem continues to develop.