Had someone told you that Cloud9 Zven would be a thing years ago, you probably wouldn’t have believed them. The former G2 Esports AD carry was one of the most sought-after players in the West, and he decided to capitalize fully by moving across the Atlantic and competing in the North American LCS. In doing so, he not only cashed in a humongous paycheck but also tried to become the first player ever to lift both the LEC and LCS trophies.

In short, Jesper “Zven” Svenningsen (of Origen and G2 Esports fame) was looking to etch his name in history. It was a logical yearning and had he succeeded; he would’ve become one of the most important and successful players the West has ever seen. But it wasn’t meant to be. Zven has seen nothing but failure across the pond, and his stock value has plummeted ever since he decided to don a Team SoloMid jersey.

On paper, it was a match made in heaven. In reality, however, the team itself lacked the strength, which was necessary actually to leave a mark in the LCS. Zven, in particular, didn’t bring anything new. His level of play wasn’t exactly blowing anyone’s mind. Over time, the starting line-up changed, and yet success was still eluding Europe’s prodigal son. He was a highly-touted import who failed to find success; a journeyman stuck in limbo.

It was painful to watch. And the moments where he did triumph didn’t last for long, as they were quickly replaced by crushing defeats and mind-boggling failure. 2019 was yet another year where Zven failed to leave a mark.

So it is only natural that Team SoloMid decided to switch things up a bit.

Farewell, @LolZven! Thanks for all your dedication and hard work over the last 2 years. Nothing but respect! ?? pic.twitter.com/uqqu7AAwGS

— TSM (@TSM) November 19, 2019

Fortunately for the former LEC champion, he has already found a brand-new home, and will still compete in North America. Cloud9 is supposedly finalizing a deal with Team SoloMid to bring the Danish AD carry over to their starting line-up. Clutch Gaming’s former support Philippe “Vulcan” Laflamme will accompany him, a mechanically gifted up-and-comer who has already made a name for himself in the LCS.

They’re a strange match, that’s for sure, but they certainly don’t lack in potential. If they get on the same page and play to the best of their ability, they’re bound to become a Top 3 bottom lane duo come 2020 Spring.

Will Cloud9 Zven Be Successful?

So will Cloud9 Zven find more success this time around? It’s still too early to know for sure, but the odds are definitely in his favor. While his play lacked impetus and confidence throughout the last two years, we’re all aware of his immense talent.

It’s only a matter of time before he reaches his former heights. Now that he’s a part of a completely different environment — an environment where many players before him blossomed and grew considerably — he will finally have the right support and coaching staff to aid him en route to a potential LCS trophy. It is the one thing he’s been fighting for so desperately over the last two years.

For Cloud9 Zven, this is do or die.

As for Cloud9, they’ll start the 2020 season without their longest-standing member: Zachary “Sneaky” Scuderi. A beloved veteran of the game, but also an individual whose play plummeted over the last year.

He’s still a talented and highly valuable asset but is just not a good match for Cloud9 any longer. The team itself has to grow, and Sneaky is the last of the “old guard” that needs to be phased out. Where the legendary AD carry will go next remains to be seen.