North American esports organisation Cloud9 has announced a partnership with Czech software development tool creator JetBrains.
The deal will see the tool creator become the organisation’s official AI-powered coding partner, while supporting esports teams and a range of initiatives.
According to a release, the two parties will collaborate to boost visibility ‘among gaming-focused developers and build cultural relevance within the esports ecosystem.’
JetBrains will support the organisation across several verticals, including content creation and the launch of a Hackathon, an event involving the creation of new projects and solving challenges.
“At Cloud9 we’re driven by a simple but powerful goal: to inspire and connect gamers everywhere,” said Jonathan Tran, President of Cloud9. “This isn’t just another sponsorship, it’s a working model of how technology and esports can come together to spark innovation, creativity, and opportunity.”
Throughout 2026, Cloud9 and JetBrains will create a content series demonstrating how the creators’ AI-powered tools contribute to the operations of its League of Legends, VALORANT, Rainbow Six, and Call of Duty divisions.
The partnership is JetBrains’ first foray into the esports industry, becoming Cloud9’s seventh partner. It joins the likes of Mueller Esports Medicine and KIA on its portfolio.
Cloud9 In 2025
Cloud9’s partnership with JetBrains isn’t the first time the organisation has utilised AI.
In May, it joined forces with blockchain-based streaming network Theta Network for the launch of Nimbus, a Cloud9-branded AI chatbot designed to engage with fans across its Discord server and website.
Outside of its partnerships, Cloud9 is in the process of preparing for the 2026 season. October saw the organisation appoint Nick ‘Inero’ Smith as the Head Coach of its League of Legends division, in addition to letting VALORANT player Michael ‘neT‘ Bernet explore his options after the organisation failed to qualify for VALORANT Champions in Paris.
