Cloud9 Locks in Full LCS 2026 Roster
Cloud9 has officially rounded out its League of Legends roster for the 2026 LCS season, with veteran leadership and fresh talent to rebuild after a challenging 2025. The North American powerhouse announced the completion of their lineup today, a sign of an aggressive push for playoff contention and a potential worlds return.
Core Lineup Revealed
At the heart of the revamped squad is Emir “Emir” Ali Beder, the Turkish midlaner who joins as the centrepiece after a strong 2025 with Karmine Corp in LEC. Known for his mechanical prowess on champions like Syndra and Orianna, Emir brings international pedigree.
Assisting him in the top lane is Fudge, returning for his third stint with C9 after a brief detour to FlyQuest. The American standout, fresh off a dominant split where he posted a 2.1 KDA on tanks like Ornn, provides the stability Cloud9 has craved.
On the jungle front, Inersia steps up from academy duty, the 19 year old who terrorised LCS Academy with ganks on Lee Sin and aggressive pathing. His jump up caps a breakout year, including a 1v9 pentakill highlight that’s already viral.
The bot lane duo of Viper and Vivi remains intact from late 2025 trials. South Korean ADC Viper, boasting a league high 62% win rate on Jinx last season. Support Vivi complements with engages, their duo combining a 15-5 record in joint scrims.
Rounding out the starters, Meech as the flex utility player, versatile enough for sub or coach duties.
CEO Jack Etienne hyped the reveal: “This is our Avengers assemble moment. Emir’s vision, Fudge’s grit, and Inersia’s hunger we’re built to dominate NA and challenge globally.” Emir echoed the excitement: “C9’s legacy inspired me. Can’t wait to lift that trophy in LCS.”
Bench Depth and Staff Upgrades
C9 didn’t stop at starters. Academy all pro FBI joins as the primary sub, ready to rotate in bot lane, while Berserker provides AD carry cover with his hyper carry style. Top and jungle depth comes via Impact in a player coach hybrid role, the two time worlds champ transitions to mentorship after retiring. Head coach Reha returns bringing LCK insights, with Sankara elevated to assistant for macro focus.
Who better to lead us into the return of the LCS than someone who’s been through it all@Inero is the new Cloud9 Kia Head Coach 🤝 pic.twitter.com/8HqxY1Scyx
— Cloud9 Kia (@C9LoL) October 1, 2025
Scrims and Season Outlook
With the roster locked before the November 30 deadline, C9 dives into bootcamp next week. Early scrim reports leak strong showings against LPL sides, hinting at a top 3 finish potential.
The 2026 LCS kicks off January 18, broadcast on Twitch and YouTube. Cloud9 enters as fan favorites, but rivals like FlyQuest and 100 Thieves lurk.
Since: October 29, 2025
