Falcons defeat 9z to secure Thunderpick World Championship playoff berth

Falcons defeat 9z to secure Thunderpick World Championship playoff berth

Falcons 2:1 9z

Falcons became the first Group A team to qualify for the Thunderpick World Championship 2026 playoffs after defeating 9z 2–1 in the upper-bracket final.

The victory secured Falcons ' place in the knockout stage, while 9z dropped into the group's deciding elimination match.

Falcons establish early control

The series opened on Nuke, selected by 9z .

Falcons delivered a strong defensive half, with kyousuke producing an important opening-round multi-kill to establish early momentum.

The team built a 7–1 lead before 9z recovered some rounds approaching halftime.

Falcons eventually secured the opening map despite stronger resistance from their opponents after the side switch.

9z force decider

9z remained competitive and managed to take the second map, forcing Falcons into a deciding third game.

However, Falcons regained control to complete the 2–1 series victory.

The result confirmed Falcons ' advancement to the playoffs.

9z will face aurora again in the Group A lower-bracket final, with the winner claiming the group's second playoff position.