North American esports organisation Cloud9 has announced a partnership with blockchain-based decentralised streaming network Theta Network.
According to a release, the two brands will work together to develop Nimbus, a Cloud9-branded conversational AI chatbot designed to engage and connect with esports fans.
Built on the Theta Network’s decentralised GPU infrastructure, Nimbus will be able to deliver real-time updates, personalised insights and access to team stats.
The platform will be able to engage with fans across Discord and the team’s website, gaining direct access to live tournament data and further enriching the viewing experience.
The blockchain-based company has been spreading its presence in the gaming and esports space in recent times. Prior to the partnership with Cloud9, Theta Network also developed Volt and a.PhiD, the AI chatbots for NRG Esports and FlyQuest, respectively. Evil Geniuses also has a chatbot of its mascot, Meesh, in collaboration with Theta Labs.
“Nimbus will also integrate directly into Club9, Cloud9’s fan loyalty program, allowing fans to earn XP through meaningful interactions with the chatbot,” added Jack Etienne, CEO and Co-Founder of Cloud9.
“By engaging with Nimbus, users will progress toward exclusive rewards and unlock deeper layers of participation in the Club9 ecosystem. Beyond enhancing the fan experience, this partnership will offer valuable insight into community behaviour, helping Cloud9 refine strategies and deliver greater value across its global audience.”
Cloud9 in 2025
Founded in 2013, C9 is one of the most prominent esports brands in North America. Based in Santa Monica, California, the brand currently operates across several game titles, including League of Legends, VALORANT, Call of Duty, and Apex Legends, among others.
Earlier this year, the team announced its step back from the Counter-Strike 2 scene while announcing a return to Rainbow Six Siege, with the team debuting at the R6 RE:LO:AD tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Given its presence across several game titles, Cloud9 was accepted as one of the 40 teams in the EWCF Club Partner Program, the financial programme designed by the Esports World Cup Foundation, receiving up to $1m (~£771,000) in funding to grow their brand.
Aside from Theta Network, the company relies on a strong portfolio of partners built throughout the years, such as hardware and technology company NVIDIA, eyewear solution Zenni Optical, gaming chair brand Secretlab, and egg roll brand PAGODA Snacks. At the start of the 2025 season, car brand Kia America became the name partner for the League of Legends team.
