LCS representatives Cloud9 had an amazing finish to the 2021 League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) group stage.

Together with strategic coach Alfonso “Mithy” Aguirre Rodriguez, C9 had a perfect run in the second round-robin, taking the second slot in Group C with a 4-2 record.

Getting through MSI with Cloud9 Mithy

Regarding Cloud9’s substantial improvements on the last day, coach Mithy believed that understanding MSI’s patch 11.9 meta is no different from any other meta.

With head coach Kim “Reignover” Yeu-jin coaching remotely, the team is still working out which priority picks and team compositions work well.

“The first week was rough, and we didn’t have the best read on what worked for us,” said Cloud9 Mithy. “It’s been a process, but I’m just happy that we managed to pull through this second week, and we have a shot at the Rumble Stage.”

Cloud9 Huddle at MSI 2021
Credit: LoL Esports

What Cloud9 Mithy thinks of his team’s performance

When talking about the squad, Cloud9 Mithy commented on the power duo of Jesper “Zven” Svenningsen and Luka “Perkz” Perković, and how their previous experience on G2 Esports has helped Perkz feel more in tune with C9.

“It’s probably easier for them to talk to each other and figure things out,” explained Cloud9 Mithy. “Though a few years have gone by, the important thing is the mutual respect they have for each other, and the trust that they can achieve great things together.”

Mithy also elaborated on Robert “Blaber” Huang’s first-time jitters as a C9 starter on the international stage, noting that some of his games were a domino effect of shortcomings. Ever since the C9 jungler lost both Scuttle Crabs in the first match against DWG KIA, he’s been struggling to get out of that ‘jungle diff’ mindset.

“He just needs to get a bit comfortable,” said Mithy. “When the stakes are a bit higher in the Rumble Stage, I’m sure he’ll do more than well.”



Best-of-ones are not for Cloud9 Mithy

With MSI 2021’s newest format holding 66 best-of-ones amongst its eleven teams, Mithy voiced out his disdain for the match format. 

“I’m not a fan of best-of-ones,” explained Mithy, “I understand it’s good for viewership, but I don’t think they represent League of Legends as a whole.”

Despite his own thoughts on the matter, he understands its purpose in the MSI group stage to create thrilling stories about minor region teams potentially upsetting favorites like DWG KIA and Royal Never Give Up. 

Seeing as how the skill gap between leagues are getting closer and closer, Mithy admitted that best-of-ones would be a step in the right direction if they continue to provide exposure and opportunities to teams from lesser-known regions.

Cloud9 Mithy approves of LATAM players going to the LCS

As a Spanish-speaking member of the League community, Mithy praised the stronger presence of LATAM players at MSI and in regions like the LCS.

Gillette Infinity during the 2021 League of Legends MSI
Credit: LoL Esports

Though many LATAM players have to play with high ping on NA servers, overcoming such a disadvantage could give them a considerable edge when entering the LCS.

“I’m just super happy if this happens. I’d be excited if more of the players came over,” said the C9 coach.

Cloud9 will face Royal Never Give up on May 15 at midnight GMT+8 in the MSI rumble stage.

You can catch the action on the official Riot Games Twitch channel.

READ MORE: Cloud9 Fudge: ‘I didn’t realize how bad players were in NA’