C9 White drop to lower bracket after forfeiting Game Changers match

Due to the team’s arrival two minutes after the scheduled start time, Cloud9 White forfeited today’s upper bracket match against Immortals in the NA VCT Game Changers Series Two Open Qualifier.

After being two minutes late for their match against Immortals in the upper bracket, C9 White’s Valorant team suffered a disappointing setback. C9 were placed in the lower bracket after the tournament organizer took control of the situation and declared the match a forfeit. The decision expectedly upset C9 players who claimed that two of their players were experiencing difficulties with the tournament client.

C9 White coach, Reid “x0tek” Johnson too expressed displeasure with the decision, calling out Nerd Street, the group in charge of organizing the competition:

“Never in 18 years of competing have I faced a FF loss being 120 seconds late, with both teams willing and online to play.”

A lot of fans on the internet defended C9, stating that the forfeit judgment was unfair. The community compared it with a similar incident when four FaZe Clan members unexpectedly lost connection during a playoff match between FaZe and XSET in the NA VCT Stage Two earlier this year due to a power outage at their gaming facility. The game went on despite the 90-minute delay, keeping forfeit off the hook.

Immortals, on the other hand, demonstrated excellent competitive spirit in the matter as they were ready to have a fair match despite C9’s late appearance. Immortals’ Kaylen “Kay” Ruddell and Lydia “tupperware” Wilson both expressed their desire to continue the match. Although C9’s players appreciated their gesture, it couldn’t overrule the forfeit decision.

C9 White drop to the lower bracket for the first time

Since their debut, C9 White have dominated the Game Changers without missing a single championship title. The group won all three NA VCT Game Changers Series in 2021, and they began 2022 by prevailing in Game Changers Series 1. This Game Changer Series, however, turned out to be a little different, as C9 White are now placed in the lower bracket for the first time.

Although C9 White have never disappointed their fans with an early exit, if the squad loses to Gen G Black, this series might become their first. Regardless, the team seems to be in fantastic shape this year as evidenced by their success in the first Game Changers Series of 2022.

The reigning Game Changers Champions will face Gen G Black in the first round of the lower bracket scheduled to take place tomorrow.

Teams Qualified for the main event

• Dignitas Female
• TSM X
• Immortals
• Shopify Rebellion Female

Header: Riot Games