Cloud9 vs. NRG eSports: Mastering the Support AWP on T-Side Cache

# Cloud9 vs. NRG eSports: Mastering the Support AWP on T-Side Cache ## Match Context * **Match/Event:** Cloud9 vs. NRG eSports, played shortly after Cloud9's victory at the ESL Pro League Season 4 Finals in Sao Paulo (0:21). * **Map:** de_cache (0:41). The focus is entirely on Terrorist-side map control, particularly around Mid, A Main, B Main, Sun Room (Toxic), and the bombsites. * **Round Phase & Score State:** The video analyzes a dominant T-side half from Cloud9, showcasing rounds 1 through 11. * **1:09:** Round 1 (Pistol round). Tied 0-0. * **1:59:** Round 5. Cloud9 leads 4-0. * **3:52:** Round 8. Cloud9 leads 7-0. * **4:21:** Round 9. Cloud9 leads 8-0. * **5:11:** Round 11. Cloud9 leads 10-0. * **Economy:** The match starts with standard $800 pistol rounds. Due to Cloud9's overwhelming early success, they quickly build a massive economy, allowing for consistent full buys that include an AWP and full utility ($1000+) for their sniper, Skadoodle. NRG also has full buys during the later gun rounds. * **Stakes & Focus:** This is a tactical demo review detailing Cloud9's structural T-side approach. It highlights how they utilize their AWPer not as an aggressive entry fragger, but as a heavily passive "support AWP" who anchors the map, manages the C4, and throws execute utility. ## Players & Roles * **Skadoodle (Cloud9) - Support AWPer / Bomb Carrier (1:09 - 5:11):** Plays a highly passive, supportive role contrary to traditional aggressive sniping. He is tasked with throwing execute utility, carrying the C4, and holding defensive angles deep in T-territory to intercept flankers. * *Visual Identifiers:* Plays with very passive crosshair placement. Uses an AWP | Asiimov, P250 | Asiimov, Glock-18 | Water Elemental, and a red-patterned M9 Bayonet (Crimson Web or Slaughter). * **Stewie2K, autimatic, & shroud (Cloud9) - Entry Fraggers / Aggressive Riflers:** The spearhead of the attack (1:23, 4:29, 5:28). They take initial duels and flood the bombsites while supported by Skadoodle’s utility. * **n0thing (Cloud9) - Support:** Shares utility and execution duties with Skadoodle, particularly highlighted during the pistol round (1:23). * **Team Dynamics:** Cloud9's system involves Skadoodle trailing the pack, deploying precise grenades, and staying back to ensure a safe plant and watch the flank. NRG eSports is the defending CT team struggling against these methodical, utility-heavy executes. ## Utility & Resources ### Grenade Usage & Trajectories * **Mid Execute (01:28):** Skadoodle throws a smoke over the mid-garage roof to block Z-Connector, followed by two high flashes to blind CTs holding Window or White Box. * **A Site Push (01:46):** From A Main, he throws a Molotov deep into A site (Default/Forklift) to flush close defenders, followed by a flashbang. * **A Site Execute (02:34):** A full utility set from A Main: a Molotov over the roof aiming at Forklift, a smoke to block cross-site vision, and a pop-flash to initiate the entry. * **B Site Execute (04:02):** From Sun Room (Toxic), he throws a smoke to B Main entrance, a Molotov to Default/Headshot box, and a flashbang—all thrown over the roof structure to safely support the rush. * **A Site Flank Denial (04:47):** From Squeaky, he throws a Molotov into A-Short/Highway to block fast CT mid-rotations. * **Specific Lineups (06:14 - 06:37):** * *B Cross Smoke (06:14):* From T-Spawn roof, aligned with the building edge and aimed at an antenna to land at B Main. * *A Site Molotov (06:21):* From A Main, aimed through the doorway directly onto Forklift/Default. * *A Main Pop-Flashes:* One bounced off the upper right corner of the doorframe from the stairs (06:28), and another "retard-flash" using left+right click aimed high at the skylight to drop into the A Main exit (06:37). ### Economy Decisions & Weapon Choices * **Pistol Round Economy (01:09):** Skadoodle spends his entire $800 on utility (Smoke, 2x Flashbangs), completely foregoing Kevlar to ensure the team can execute mid. * **Anti-Eco/Force Buy (01:35):** Purchases a cost-effective UMP-45 SMG ($1200) to ensure he has funds left for execute utility. * **Gun Round Allocation (02:00+):** While carrying the $4750 AWP, Skadoodle continues to buy and throw full utility sets rather than relying on his team for support. * **P250 Sidearm (02:15):** Utilizes a $300 P250 sidearm while holding tight angles to prevent the AWP barrel from clipping and exposing his position. * **C4 Management (01:57, 03:46):** The C4 is treated as a highly protected resource, consistently carried by Skadoodle because he holds the furthest back, most passive angles. ## Strategy & Tactics * **Methodical T-Side Executes:** Cloud9 avoids dry peeks, relying instead on structured, utility-heavy takes orchestrated by their primary AWPer, who dictates the pace (01:28, 02:34, 04:02). * **Passive Flank-Watch Posture:** At the climax of a site execution, the AWPer’s default formation is to look backward. Instead of flooding the site for trades, Skadoodle anchors deep A Main or Sun Room to intercept flanking CTs (02:46, 03:38, 04:18). * **Over-Wall Utility Deployment:** Skadoodle positions himself in safe areas like Sun Room (Toxic) to bounce full utility sets over open roof structures, supporting entry paths without taking direct lines of sight. * **Squeaky Door Setup:** A coordinated two-man formation (04:28) where a rifler (shroud) acts as the close-quarters protector/door-opener, while Skadoodle holds the deep angle into A site from Lobby. * **Pre-emptive Rotation Denial:** Deploying area-denial utility (Molotovs) on rotation paths *before* CTs arrive, physically closing space to secure a post-plant without firing a shot. * **Unexpected Weapon Handoffs:** To break predictability, Cloud9 shifts mid-round by handing the support AWP to an aggressive entry player (Stewie2K) to catch CTs off guard with a fast peek (05:27). ## Decisions & Critical Moments * **01:09 - Pistol Round Economy Choice:** Skadoodle decides to buy only utility instead of armor. *Outcome:* Enables the successful mid-take at 01:28. * **02:15 - Weapon Concealment:** Skadoodle switches to a P250 while holding A Main. *Rationale:* Prevents the AWP barrel from clipping through geometry. *Outcome:* Maintains stealth and secures the flank watch. * **02:34 - The A-Site Pivot:** After throwing his pop-flash, Skadoodle actively decides *not* to follow his team onto the site, hard-pivoting to face T-Spawn. *Outcome:* He catches rotating CTs at 02:46, protecting the bomb plant. * **03:37 - Passive C4 Control:** Spotting a CT crossing mid smoke, Skadoodle decides to hold his passive angle rather than taking an aggressive duel. *Rationale:* As the bomb carrier, prioritizing objective safety over a low-percentage opening kill. *Alternative/Mistake:* A dry peek could result in dropping the bomb in contested territory. * **04:02 - B-Site Over-Wall Decision:** Decides to support from Toxic rather than pushing B Main. *Outcome:* Effectively supports the site take while remaining completely hidden, smoothly transitioning back into flank watch (04:18). * **04:47 - Preemptive Highway Denial:** Moves to Squeaky during an A execute to Molotov Highway. *Rationale:* Anticipates the fastest mid rotation. *Outcome:* Secures the post-plant setup by physically delaying CTs. * **05:27 - Unpredictable AWP Handoff:** Skadoodle drops the AWP to Stewie2K. *Rationale:* Breaks CT conditioning that expects passive AWPing, converting the sniper into a sudden aggressive opening tool. ## Practical Takeaways ### Lessons * **The Support AWP Role:** An AWP does not always need to hunt for entries. Use it to anchor the map. Deploy primary execute utility for your riflers, then pivot to hold flanks and intercept rotations (02:34 - 02:46). * **Break Predictability:** If you establish a passive sniper pattern, defense will stop respecting aggressive timings. Break this by handing the AWP to an entry-fragger to secure an unexpected opening (05:27). ### Anti-Patterns * **Barrel Clipping on Close Angles:** *Mistake:* Holding tight corners with long weapons (AWP, M4A1-S) reveals your position early (02:15). *Correction:* Switch to a compact sidearm (P250) to conceal geometry, swapping back when the enemy commits. * **Reckless Bomb Management:** *Mistake:* Letting entry pathfinders carry the C4, risking it dropping in choke points (03:37). *Correction:* Keep the bomb with the player holding the safest, most passive angles. ### Improvement Areas & Situational Rules * **Safe Utility Deployment:** Learn trajectories that do not require line-of-sight (e.g., throwing from Sun Room over the roof to B site) to assist rushes from total safety (04:02). * **Post-Execute Discipline:** After throwing execute utility, resist the urge to follow teammates onto the site. Instinctively turn around and lock down the rear guard (04:18). * **Pistol Round Support Economy:** On T-side executes, designate one player to forgo $650 Kevlar and spend their $800 on one Smoke and two Flashbangs (01:09). * **Preemptive Rotation Denial:** Don't wait to see flanking CTs. Proactively throw Molotovs onto the fastest rotation lanes (like Squeaky to Highway) while the bomb is being planted (04:47). ### Drill Ideas * **A-Main Doorframe Pop-Flash:** Practice bouncing a flashbang off the upper right corner of the A Main doorframe from the stairs, coordinating with a teammate's peek (06:28). * **Skylight Retard-Flash:** Drill using left+right click to bounce a flash off the A Main skylight, dropping it directly into the exit choke (06:37). * **Concealed Execute Lineups:** Practice throwing the deep A-site (Forklift) Molotov from completely behind the A Main wall so you aren't exposed to Quad (06:21). ## Conclusion This video serves as a masterclass in redefining the AWPer's role from a star entry-fragger to a structural anchor. By analyzing Skadoodle's playstyle, it highlights how trading personal aggression for team support—through meticulous grenade deployment, strict objective management, and disciplined flank control—can systematically dismantle a CT defense. It demonstrates that the game's most expensive weapon can be just as impactful when used to dictate space and secure the map, rather than purely to hunt for kills.