Cloud9 vs NRG Esports Match Prediction and Analysis

Following the Pacific and China regions, the Americas region is also beginning its journey with VCT 2025: Americas Stage 1, where the debut match will feature Cloud9 against NRG Esports. In this article, we will determine the favorite and underdog of the matchup based on form and previous results.

Current Team Form

Cloud9

The start of the season has been terrible for Cloud9. The team participated in VCT 2025: Americas Kickoff and finished in 9th-12th place out of 12 teams, losing two out of three matches. This year, the team has played only three matches, winning just one. Interestingly, that victory was against NRG.

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Despite the poor start, Cloud9 decided not to make roster changes and retained the lineup that was formed before the season began.

NRG

NRG Esports also had a rough start to the season but managed to achieve a slightly better result at VCT 2025: Americas Kickoff, finishing in 7th-8th place. The team also played three matches and secured only one win—against 100 Thieves.

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After the disappointing start, the organization made a bold decision: Verno was benched, and brawk was signed as his replacement.

Map Pool

Predictions for Picks and Bans

Bans:

Cloud9 bans Haven.
NRG bans Split.

Picks:

Cloud9 picks Lotus.
NRG picks Fracture.

Second Ban Phase:

Cloud9 bans Pearl.
NRG bans Icebox.

Decider:

Ascent remains.

Head-to-Head Record

The total number of encounters between the two teams is 11, with Cloud9 having the advantage.

The most recent match between them took place two months ago at VCT 2025: Americas Kickoff, where Cloud9 secured a confident 2-0 victory.Before that, four months ago, the teams faced off at SEN City Classic, where NRG came out on top with a 2-1 win.

Match Prediction

Both teams struggle with consistency, but Cloud9 has kept their roster intact, which could work in their favor. NRG, on the other hand, decided to make a player change, which could either improve their performance or hurt team synergy.

Cloud9 has already proven they can beat NRG, but NRG still remains the favorite due to a more experienced roster. The match promises to be intense, with NRG Esports ultimately taking the win.

Prediction: NRG Esports will win 2-1.

VCT 2025: Americas Stage 1 runs from March 21 to May 4 in a LAN format at Riot Games Arena in Los Angeles. Twelve partnered VCT Americas teams will compete for three invitations to Masters Toronto, as well as for Americas Points, which will determine the teams qualifying for Champions 2025.