Esports is a world that evolves at lightning speed. Constant game updates, meta changes, and increased competition force teams to be flexible and resourceful. Among them, Virtus Pro and Cloud9 are particularly noteworthy – organizations with a rich history and highlights in various disciplines. How do they adapt to changes in their games and what approaches do they use to stay competitive?
The meta is a key concept in any esport. It is a set of strategies, heroes, tactics, and decisions that are considered the most effective at a given time. However, game developers regularly release patches and updates that change the balance of power. Virtus Pro and Cloud9 have faced this challenge in different disciplines, be it Dota 2, CS:GO, Valorant, or League of Legends. For example: Virtus Pro have long been known for their aggressive playstyle. However, with the release of patches that strengthened the late game, they were forced to adapt, implementing strategies based on endurance and map control. Cloud9 is known for its innovative approach. The team regularly experiments with unconventional picks and strategies to surprise opponents and adapt to changes in the game.
Virtus Pro is a legendary organization that has achieved success in such disciplines as Dota 2 and CS:GO. Their adaptability is based on the following principles: Virtus Pro is known for reacting quickly to updates. Their analytics team conducts deep analysis of changes to understand which heroes, weapons, or tactics are becoming stronger and which are losing their relevance. For example, in Dota 2, they actively use new or updated heroes that can become “imba” after a patch. Virtus Pro players often change their roles and approach to the game. In CS:GO, for example, they successfully adapted to changes in the game’s economy by changing their purchasing strategy. In Dota 2, their players demonstrate the ability to switch between aggressive and defensive play depending on the meta. Virtus Pro are not afraid to update their rosters. They are known for their ability to find young talent and bring them to the professional level. This helps the team stay competitive in an environment where experienced players are not always willing to radically change their style of play.
Cloud9 is an organization that has always been experimental. Their adaptability is evident in the following aspects: Cloud9 are often ahead of their time, coming up with tactics that other teams only start using months later. For example, in League of Legends, they were the first in North America to actively use the fast-push meta and hybrid heroes on unconventional lanes. Cloud9 understands that success in modern esports depends not only on individual skill, but also on the interaction of players. They regularly hold bootcamps to hone their teamwork and build team chemistry, especially in the face of changing metas. Cloud9 actively uses analytical tools to study patches and opponents’ games. For example, in CS:GO, they analyze the positions and behavior of opponents to understand how changes to the map or weapons affect the overall style of play.
An equally important aspect of adaptation is psychological preparation. Changes in the game often cause stress, especially when old strategies no longer work. Virtus Pro and Cloud9 actively work with coaches and sports psychologists to maintain the players’ morale.