In-game leader Josh “Shinobi” Abastado has been released from Cloud9’s all-male VALORANT lineup, Cloud9 Blue. The 26-year-old first joined the organization in July, and has competed under the Cloud9 Blue name since.

Since Shinobi’s addition to the Cloud9 roster, the team has placed second at Immortals First Light, the Pulse Invitational, and the PAX Arena Invitational. The team finished 5-6th at the FaZe Clan Invitational, and third at both the Pittsburgh Knights Invitational Gauntlet Series and the NSG x Renegades Invitational.

More recently, Cloud9 Blue failed to qualify for the First Strike North American regional finals, the first Riot-sponsored tournament and the biggest VALORANT event so far. The team hasn’t competed since finishing 5-8th in both the First Strike North America qualifiers, though they are set to play in the JBL Quantum Cup this weekend.

Cloud9 and Shinobi now part ways, as the player looks to explore new opportunities. In his response to the announcement, Shinobi thanks Cloud9 for “the time spent and for allowing [him] to freely seek out new opportunities.” He also wishes the team luck before thanking his fans for their support, which he describes as “unending” in the announcement video.

It is currently unclear whether Shinobi will compete in the JBL Quantum Cup with Cloud9 Blue or if the team will field a replacement. The team is set to play Team SoloMid in a best-of-one match later today.

Source: Cloud9

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