Lunch time here in Euroland on this lazy Sunday, but esports has no respect for mealtimes or the Sabbath as the cruel hand of fate has served up the foul-tasting news of a painful breakup instead of Mum's roast. Cyclowns have announced on Twitter that they have disbanded with all players entering free agency.
Cyclowns/ex-Cyclone/Cyclone were once the hottest unsigned team in Europe, sporting a devastating online record that should have converted into genuine prospects at their first offline event, TaKeOver 2. But they would become victims of their own success as their talents were lured away by the almighty dollar; first Boombox to eUnited, then Mowzassa to Laser Kittenz.
The roster that attended TaKeOver could only muster two wins in twelve maps played to finish joint last. However, Cyclowns refused to lie down, opting to rebuild after LAN with Epzz on support and lateks trialling on tank. They had been managing to stay afloat, qualifying for Contenders in 9th place by winning out on the second day.
However, when groups got underway yesterday Cyclowns simply didn't show up. Fans were left wanting as they went 0-2-1 to finish the day bottom of Group D having gone 2-2 with Alfa Squad, 0-4 against Movistar Riders and 0-4 at the hands of 123.
Our own Sideshow noted that "It will be a long climb back up to a playoff spot for the slumping Cyclowns" and it now seems that Cyclowns agreed wholeheartedly. Their statement on TwitLonger offers some insights:
"Sadly after 5 months of being org-less and players receiving endless offers from top tier teams, we have decided to call it a day.
The following players are now free agents: Davin CrusaDe destro Poks epzz
Coach / Manager available iuKeEe
We are so thankful for all the support you gave us, and hope you continue following everyone from the team as they grow and improve."
We asked iuKeEe to clarify if the decision to fold had come about because the current players had received offers or if it was purely the results? "Both", he answered, before adding, "Mostly offers". His lips remained tightly sealed as to which teams were attempting to seduce his players, but one might speculate that a team like NiP, currently trialling a new player, might be considering their options right about now.
The final Cyclowns roster was:
- Tuomo "Davin" Leppänen (DPS)
- Antti "poks" Hellstedt (DPS)
- Oliwer "lateks" Fahlander (Trial Tank)
- Emil "destro" Krastev (Flex)
- Andreas "Epzz" Wallvingskog (Support)
- Ryan "CrusaDe" van Wegen (Support)
- Luke "iuKeEe" Dainton (Coach)