In the fast-paced, high-octane world of Rocket League esports, one name stands out for achieving the seemingly impossible—Mariano “Squishy Muffinz” Arruda. His triumph in the RLCS Season 6 Championship wasn’t just another title win. It was a moment of unparalleled brilliance that shattered narratives, dethroned European dominance, and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest Rocket League players of all time. Alongside his exceptional teammates, Kyle “Torment” Storer and Jesus “Gimmick” Parra, Squishy led Cloud9 to victory, toppling the juggernaut Dignitas and crafting what many consider the greatest RLCS championship in history.
European Supremacy: The Challenge Before Cloud9
Before Season 6, European teams dominated the Rocket League Championship Series. Dignitas, in particular, embodied this dominance with their lineup of legends Pierre “Turbopolsa” Silfver and Alexandre “Kaydop” Courant. Turbopolsa, a three-time world champion at the time, had already carved out a reputation as one of the greatest players in the game’s history, while Kaydop was renowned for his clinical finishing and unmatched consistency. Together, they formed one of the most fearsome duos Rocket League had ever seen.
For North America, the narrative was far less glamorous. Despite producing skilled teams and players, the region struggled to keep pace with Europe. Time after time, North American teams fell short on the world stage, reinforcing the belief that Europe was simply on another level. Cloud9 entered Season 6 as a strong team, but not the favorites to claim the title.
The Underdog Run: Cloud9’s Road to the Finals
Cloud9’s performance in the group stages of the RLCS Season 6 World Championship was solid but not spectacular. The team showed glimpses of their potential but lacked the dominant edge to instill fear in their opponents. As the knockout rounds began, most analysts predicted another European victory, leaving little hope for North America to reclaim the crown it had last held in Season 1.
The turning point came in the semifinals against We Dem Girlz (later known as TSM). Cloud9 displayed incredible resilience and adaptability, battling through a grueling series. Each member of the team contributed significantly, with Torment’s clutch saves, Gimmick’s relentless offensive pressure, and Squishy’s mechanical genius coming together to secure a hard-fought victory.
Toppling the Giants: The Grand Finals
The RLCS Season 6 grand finals were a historic matchup. Dignitas entered the competition as heavy favorites, having dominated their opponents throughout the season. In contrast, Cloud9 was viewed as the underdog—capable but unlikely to dethrone the European powerhouse. From the very beginning, it was clear that this match would be unforgettable. Cloud9 quickly forced Dignitas into a bracket reset, leveling the playing field to a best-of-seven series.
Squishy Muffinz elevated his performance to an extraordinary level, showcasing one iconic play after another. His passing and scoring abilities were unmatched and surpassed anything seen at the time. This remarkable show of offensive skill made him a the key player in the finals and the centerpiece of Cloud9’s strategy. However, this victory was not solely due to him.
Torment’s defensive strength was the backbone of Cloud9’s success. Time and again, he thwarted Dignitas’ aggressive plays, providing his team with the space they needed to launch counterattacks. Meanwhile, Gimmick’s inventive offense and fearless challenges kept Dignitas on their toes, forcing them into uncommon mistakes.
The defining moment of the series occurred in Game 5. With the world watching, Squishy executed one of the most breathtaking takeovers in RLCS history, leaving both fans and commentators in awe. This moment shifted the momentum firmly in Cloud9’s favor, allowing them to close out the series. It perfectly encapsulated Squishy’s unique blend of creativity, skill, and composure. Supported by Torment’s solid defense and Gimmick’s relentless energy, Cloud9 stunned everyone with a 4-1 series victory, ending Dignitas’ reign and bringing the championship back to North America.
A Team Effort: Cloud9’s Legacy
While Squishy Muffinz was the star of the show, Cloud9’s RLCS Season 6 championship was a testament to the power of teamwork. Each player brought a unique skill set that, when combined, created a synergy capable of toppling even the most dominant team in Rocket League history.
Torment’s calm under pressure and impeccable positioning made him a defensive anchor. His ability to anticipate and block shots from Dignitas’ elite offense was instrumental in Cloud9’s success. Gimmick, on the other hand, was the team’s spark plug, using his aggressive playstyle to disrupt Dignitas’ rhythm and create scoring opportunities. Together, the trio formed a cohesive unit that complemented Squishy’s mechanical brilliance.
Why This Championship Was the Greatest
Cloud9’s RLCS Season 6 victory stands as the greatest in Rocket League history because of its context, brilliance, and significance. Overcoming the juggernaut Dignitas—a team featuring legends like Turbopolsa and Kaydop—was an incredible achievement that shattered Europe’s dominance and rewrote competitive Rocket League narratives. Squishy’s ceiling shot, Torment’s defensive heroics, and Gimmick’s relentless aggression showcased not only individual brilliance but also the unmatched synergy of the team. This victory wasn’t just a win for Cloud9; it was a turning point for North America and a beacon of hope that underdogs can achieve the extraordinary.
Conclusion
The RLCS Season 6 Championship wasn’t just a victory for Squishy Muffinz and Cloud9—it was a defining moment in Rocket League history. By toppling the giants of Dignitas, the trio redefined the possibilities of competitive play and brought new life to the North American Rocket League scene.
Today, Squishy Muffinz, Torment, and Gimmick are celebrated as heroes of one of the greatest championship runs in esports. Their Season 6 victory will forever be remembered as a pinnacle of teamwork, resilience, and individual brilliance—a testament to what can be achieved when skill, creativity, and determination come together.