Team Liquid and Cloud9 are two of the leading esports organizations managing professional players competing in a range of games. Team Liquid has been around since 2000 and has won numerous championships in games like League of Legends and CS:GO. On the other hand, Cloud9 was founded in 2013 and has rapidly gained a considerable following in games like Overwatch and Fortnite. While Team Liquid centralizes management, Cloud9 has a more decentralized approach. Both approaches have their benefits and downsides, but they inculcate the unique philosophy of each organization. Finally, both organizations have strong branding, communities, and engagement with their fans.
Breaking Down the Best Esports Organizations: Team Liquid vs. Cloud9
Introduction
Esports, or competitive video gaming, has exploded in popularity in recent years and has given birth to a new generation of professional gamers. As the industry continues to grow, esports organizations have emerged to manage and represent these professional players, competing in a wide range of games. In this article, we will take a closer look at two of the top esports organizations, Team Liquid and Cloud9, and analyze the factors that make them successful.
History and Accomplishments
Both Team Liquid and Cloud9 have impressive histories in esports. Team Liquid was founded in 2000 and initially focused on the game StarCraft. It has since expanded into many other games, including League of Legends, Dota 2, and CS:GO. Team Liquid has won numerous championships in these games and even became the first team to win back-to-back championships in the North American League of Legends Championship Series.
Cloud9 was founded in 2013 and quickly established itself as a top organization in League of Legends. It has since expanded into other games, such as CS:GO, Overwatch, and Fortnite. Cloud9 has won several championships in these games and was the first North American team to win a major CS:GO championship.
Team Structure
Both Team Liquid and Cloud9 have extensive rosters of players and coaches, but their team structures differ slightly. Team Liquid has a centralized management approach, with a general manager overseeing all teams and players. This approach allows for greater coordination and communication between teams.
Cloud9, on the other hand, has a more decentralized approach, with each team having its own manager. This approach allows for greater team autonomy and specialization. Both approaches have their benefits and downsides, but they ultimately reflect each organization’s unique philosophy.
Marketing and Branding
Marketing and branding are essential components of any successful esports organization, and Team Liquid and Cloud9 are no exception. Team Liquid has a more traditional sports branding approach, with a strong emphasis on team uniforms and logos. It also has several well-known sponsorships, such as with Alienware and SAP.
Cloud9, on the other hand, has a more youthful and dynamic brand. Its logo is iconic, and its social media presence is vibrant and engaged. Cloud9 has also partnered with many top-tier brands, such as Red Bull and Logitech.
Community Engagement
Esports organizations must also engage with their fans and communities, and Team Liquid and Cloud9 are both active in this regard. Team Liquid has a robust website and social media presence, and its Twitch channel consistently ranks among the most-watched channels.
Cloud9, on the other hand, has established itself as a leader in charitable efforts. It has partnered with organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Extra Life to support important causes. Cloud9 also hosts a popular annual charity stream, which has raised over $1 million for various charities to date.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Team Liquid and Cloud9 are top esports organizations that have achieved impressive success in the competitive gaming world. They each have unique strengths and approaches, and it is difficult to say which is better. However, one thing is clear: esports is here to stay, and organizations like Team Liquid and Cloud9 will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of competitive gaming.