Cloud9 Kia has unveiled a new collaboration with Conviction for the 2025 season of the North American Challengers League (NACL) in League of Legends. As part of the deal, Cloud9 will contribute coaching expertise to help shape Conviction’s roster into a more competitive force.
Strategic guidance will be provided by Cloud9’s own Marius ‘Veigar V2’ Aune, along with Nicholas ‘Inero’ Smith, the organization’s Assistant Coach. Their involvement is expected to enhance the team’s performance through advanced game strategies and training support.
Nurturing the Next Generation of Players
Cloud9 emphasized on social media that this partnership reflects their commitment to fostering talent across the North American League of Legends scene. They noted that growing the regional talent pipeline remains a core priority, with this collaboration aimed at investing in rising players and teams.
Currently, Conviction is competing in the NACL Split 1 2025 Playoffs, which runs from May 15 to June 6. The top six teams from the regular season are battling it out in a double-elimination bracket using best-of-five matchups under the Fearless Draft format.
A Milestone for Conviction
Conviction expressed excitement about the partnership, sharing online that they are eager to work with Cloud9 for the remainder of the 2025 season. The team hopes to build something meaningful through this cooperation.
The collaboration comes shortly after Conviction revealed its current lineup on March 21, 2025. The roster was acquired from Tempest Gaming and features:
- Top Lane: Chris ‘Horder’ Feng
- Jungle: James ‘Kisno’ Woo
- Mid Lane: Isaac ‘DARKWINGS’ Chou
- Bot Lane: Aaron ‘Chrome’ Li
- Support: Daniel ‘Minui’ Zhang Mingshui
- Head Coach: Samuel ‘boc’ Boudrie
Following the announcement, Samuel Boudrie thanked Cloud9 and expressed enthusiasm about the journey ahead.
Cloud9’s Broader Competitive Strategy
This deal with Conviction is one of several strategic moves Cloud9 has made in 2025. Earlier in the year, the organization revealed a branding partnership with Kia America, competing under the name Cloud9 Kia for the current League of Legends season.
In addition to its involvement in League of Legends, Cloud9 has expanded or restructured its presence in other major titles, including Rainbow Six Siege and Call of Duty. The organization continues to invest in its esports future, aligning with partners and talent that support its long-term competitive vision.
Read more interesting news here.