What to expect from Complexity v. Cloud9

After falling to G2 last night, Complexity are back in action down under at IEM Sydney as they look to extend their run with a win over Cloud9. This showdown, a rematch from ESL Pro League Season 18, will pit two squads that have seen a recent uptick in performance while looking to validate their positions in CS2.

JT can't do it alone

As previously mentioned in our last match preview, Ricky "floppy" Kemery's performance at IEM Sydney 2023 thus far is a complete non-starter if Complexity want to go further in this event. While everyone with the Johnny "JT" Theodosiou has been slow to wake up down under, the main concern for Complexity at the moment is they leave Sydney without floppy having anything to show off in CS2.

• Can JT's strong event performance continue against C9?

• floppy needs to show up against C9

• The team's overall performance has not been up to expectations

A new Cloud9?

Compared to when Cloud9 last played Complexity, a few things have changed. Namely, Abay "HObbit" Khassenov has taken over as IGL, which seems to have been a positive effect on the squad. Under the leadership of HObbit and in a new game, it will be interesting to see if C9 can avenge what was a decisive loss for them at EPL.

• HObbit's in command now

• Ax1Le's 0.77 event rating is a liability at the moment

• electroNic has broken the chains of being an IGL and is playing great

Previous Matchups

These two lineups faced each other once before, recently, at ESL Pro League 18. At said event, Complexity put on a stunning performance, taking down Cloud9 2-0. However, consider that this match was in CS:GO so that may diminish the salience of this result.

Likely Vetoes

As always, these vetoes come with the caveat that they are highly speculative as they depend on whether Cloud9, as the higher ranked team, chooses to pick first or ban last.

• Complexity ban Mirage (Permaban)

• Cloud9 ban Nuke (Permaban)

• Complexity pick Anubis (82% Winrate)

• Cloud9 pick Ancient (64% Winrate)

• Decider could potentially be Inferno (Commonly played by both teams)

Complexity and Cloud9 will square off to stay alive in IEM Sydney 2023 tonight at 10:30PM.