Cloud9 drops marquee Fortnite stars Vivid and Chap in shock move

Cloud9 has dropped its marquee Fortnite stars, Vivid and Chap, in a shock move less than six months after joining, after the pair fell short of “a range of metrics,” including competitive performance, in the latter months of 2020. 

Cloud9 has started the new year with a bang. Less than six months ago, they signed two marquee Fortnite players, Noah ‘Vivid’ Wright and Ryan ‘Chap’ Chaplo, on multi-year contracts to compete in the popular battle royale.

The players already established themselves as a formidable duo in their time at Team Liquid. Cloud9 hoped to re-create the magic within their own organization. It was an ambitious power play that strengthened their presence in the competitive scene.

However, Cloud9 has decided to release both players from their contracts after the popular pair “failed to hit a range of metrics” in their 2020 deals.

According to founder Jack Etienne, the shock move was a “carefully considered decision” from Cloud9 upper management. He wrote on Reddit, “These players were released after falling short across a range of metrics, including but not limited to competitive performance. We wish them the best in the future.”

Chap was the first one to comment. He kept things short, sharp, and sweet and didn’t elaborate on any details. “FREE AGENT… LOL,” he said.

It led to an outpour of comments, with practically everyone left scratching their heads, trying to figure out what happened. 

• Read more: Pro players argue over Fortnite vs. CSGO vs. Valorant

However, after a series of memes, question marks, and nervous laughter, it slowly became apparent that he was telling the truth.

Vivid announces retirement after shock release

Shortly after, Vivid commented too. But unlike his teammate, he broke it down in a lengthy post on Twitlonger. “Got into the meeting with the Fortnite manager (Robin) over at C9 who basically immediately informed me that myself and Chap would be getting released today,” he said. “There was no real explanation.”

“I’m not mad or upset at C9. I understand that it’s just business,” he added. “But I just think it’s just crazyyyy how we can commit to an org for 2-3 years and have no say what or where we go but then they can decide to do whatever they want with us whenever they want.”

Then, in an even more shocking turn of events, he announced his retirement after reflecting on the situation.

• Read more: Guild Esports expand Fortnite roster with Hen

“I don’t have the energy to search for another organization at this time, and I don’t want to continue professional play without having a guaranteed form of income,” he said. “SOO… I guess you can say I retire.”

Both the news of their release and Vivid’s retirement has come as a shock to fans and players within the community. It’s bittersweet to see one of the most dynamic partnerships come to an end, but it will be interesting to see what happens next.