LOUD has added Portuguese player David 'DaviH' Cruz to its VALORANT roster, slotting him in as initiator for VCT Americas Stage 2. The organization announced the signing Tuesday, confirming Cruz was acquired from CGN Esports via a buyout. The move comes as LOUD looks to solidify its lineup ahead of a push for a spot at VALORANT Champions.
Who is DaviH?
Cruz, 20, previously competed for CGN Esports in the Portuguese Challengers circuit. He built a reputation as a flexible initiator, often piloting agents like Sova and KAY/O. His mechanical consistency and game sense caught the attention of LOUD's scouting team, which moved quickly to secure his contract. The buyout from CGN Esports was completed in recent days, though financial terms were not disclosed.
Why the change now
LOUD's VCT Americas Stage 1 campaign ended without a top-four finish, leaving the organization short of direct qualification for Champions. With Stage 2 looming, the team needed a dedicated initiator to free up other players for different roles. Cruz's arrival allows LOUD to run a more structured composition, something the coaching staff identified as a weakness in earlier matches. The roster now has a clear identity heading into the next split.
Road to Champions
LOUD's stated goal is to compete at VALORANT Champions, the year-end world championship. To get there, they'll need a strong showing in VCT Americas Stage 2, which awards circuit points toward qualification. The team is currently in a training block, integrating Cruz into their system. Scrims and internal reviews will determine how quickly he can mesh with the core. Stage 2 matches are expected to begin in the coming weeks, though Riot Games has not yet published the official schedule.
For now, LOUD fans will watch closely to see if DaviH can bring the stability the roster has been missing. The buyout signals the organization's commitment to winning now, not later.
