OXY out of Cloud9 starting lineup due to family emergency

Cloud9 duelist Francis "OXY" Hoang will not be playing for the team in their upcoming VALORANT Champions Tour 2026 - Americas Kickoff match against Leviatán due to a family emergency.

“Cloud9 is deeply saddened to share that, due to a family emergency, OXY has returned home to Houston and will not be starting in VCT Americas this weekend.”

It was later revealed through OXY’s socials that the family emergency surrounds his mother’s recent passing due to cancer.

As a result, Cloud9 will be playing with a substitute player in place of OXY in week two of Kickoff for their upcoming series against Leviatán on January 24, 2026. It has yet to be revealed who will replace OXY in week two. Additionally, it has not been revealed if OXY will be back in the starting lineup the following week or if more time away is needed.

The team began their VCT Americas Kickoff campaign strong with a decisive 2-0 victory over LOUD before dropping down to the Middle Bracket following their 2-0 loss to NRG. It will be interesting to see if Cloud9 will be able to maintain their level of play without OXY. For now, the VALORANT community continues to send their best wishes and support to OXY.

“Our entire organization is fully behind Francis as he takes the time and space he needs, and we ask that you respect his privacy during this time.”

This article will continue to be updated as more information is revealed.

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Cover Image via Colin Young-Wolff