Cloud9 's highly anticipated new lineup made its debut in the BLAST Premier Fall Groups, but they lost both BO3 matches with a score of 1-2. Ultimately, they, along with OG and GamerLegion , were eliminated and fell into the Fall Showdown. Despite the poor start, the current C9 has changed significantly from before. When mentioning the old C9, whenever they were eliminated, it was either due to a lack of a sniper, poor team atmosphere, or the absence of an excellent leader. If the new C9 had lost 0-2 against FaZe and Ninjas in Pyjamas , there wouldn't be much to say, but the score was 1-2, and C9 even had a great chance of winning during the matches.


Impressive Firepower

The current C9 lineup is not weak on paper; they have top-tier riflers and a standout sniper. The maps they lost in Copenhagen were very close, which is unfortunate. Of the four maps lost, three were by just 2 points, and one by 3 points. Each map in every match was very exciting. In the match against NIP, Timofey Yakushin | interz , the support player, achieved a 1.58 rating on the first map, delivering a stellar performance.


Based on the data from the matches against NIP and FaZe, C9's firepower is not an issue.

It's an undeniable fact that C9 was eliminated in the BLAST Premier Fall Groups. No one can deny this. It was the various mistakes during the matches that led to their narrow defeats, but these mistakes are fixable. With extensive training and experience from official matches, C9 can fully address these errors.

Reasonable Division of Labor

As for the key player roles, based on the current matches, C9's division of labor does not have significant issues, which is good news. On Dust2, Ax1Le (short/A site on CT side) and HeavyGod (B site/mid) have transitioned from primary site players to rotators. HeavyGod defaults to B site on T side to create space for the team, while Ax1Le makes noise at long A. HeavyGod can already be considered the second brain of this C9.

On Inferno, Ax1Le continues to hold pit, but also handles banana on T side; HeavyGod helps Boombl4 with B site defense and takes care of mid and boiler on T side; interz is responsible for A site rotations on CT side and second floor on T side. C9 players have many mixed roles on these two maps, but the structured changes between maps are pleasing to see.

This is quite commendable because there have been many super teams in history that fell apart due to poor role distribution. Previous Astralis and even the old C9 are bloody examples. C9 is now on the right path, with players placed in positions where they can best utilize their strengths.

Renewed Passion

In the statements of C9 coach Konstantin Pikiner | groove, there is another interesting point: the current C9 lineup is full of passion: "We have a lot of work to do, but I love the team's passion. Every player wants to win."

In the matches of the new C9 lineup, you can feel the players' desire for victory. Their emotions are conveyed through the camera, allowing the audience in front of the screen to empathize. The last time C9 was this passionate was during the Rio Major. Morale is a mysterious yet crucial element. Today's C9 has passion, drive, proper division of labor, and strong firepower. Although they had a hasty exit in Copenhagen, it is believed that through numerous events, they will become a top-tier team in a month's time.