Exploring Overwatch 2: Understanding the C9 Term

Gaming communities thrive on unique slang and terms that often stem from memorable moments or incidents, like the iconic "Leeroy Jenkins!" or Keanu Reeves' "Wake up, Samurai" from E3 2019. Memes spread rapidly within these circles, yet some phrases, such as "C9," can remain enigmatic to many. In this article, we'll dive deep into the origins and significance of the term "C9."

Table of Contents

• How Did the Term C9 Originate?
• What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?
• Disagreements on the Definition of C9
• What is the reason for the popularity of C9?

How Did the Term C9 Originate?

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The term "C9" originated during a surprising turn of events in the Overwatch Apex Season 2 tournament in 2017. The match featured a clash between the formidable Cloud9 and the underdog Afreeca Freecs Blue. Despite Cloud9's dominant performance, a critical error occurred on the Lijiang Tower map. The team, in a frenzy to secure kills, completely forgot the primary objective of holding the point, allowing Afreeca Freecs Blue to seize an unexpected victory. This blunder was repeated on subsequent maps, leading to Cloud9's shocking defeat. The term "C9" was born from this incident, derived from Cloud9's name, and it has since become a staple in gaming lexicon, often referenced in live streams and professional matches.

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What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?

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In Overwatch, "C9" is used to describe a fundamental strategic mistake where a team becomes overly focused on engaging the enemy and neglects the map's objective. This term harks back to Cloud9's infamous oversight in the 2017 tournament. When players see a "C9" in the chat, it's a signal that a team has forgotten their primary goal, often realizing too late that they've lost their focus, leading to defeat.

Disagreements on the Definition of C9

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The gaming community remains divided on what constitutes a true "C9." Some argue that any abandonment of the control point, such as being displaced by an enemy's ability like Sigma's "Gravitic Flux," qualifies. Others maintain that "C9" should strictly refer to instances where players simply forget the objective due to human error, as was the case with Cloud9.

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There's also a faction that uses "C9" for amusement or to taunt opponents, while variations like "K9" or "Z9" appear in chats. "Z9" is considered a "metameme" by some, popularized by streamer xQc, to mock incorrect usage of "C9."

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Also read: Mercy: a detailed analysis of the character from Overwatch 2

What is the reason for the popularity of C9?

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The popularity of "C9" stems from the unexpected nature of Cloud9's defeat during the Overwatch Apex Season 2. At the time, Cloud9 was a powerhouse in the esports scene, boasting top teams across various games. Their match against the less-celebrated Afreeca Freecs Blue was expected to be a straightforward victory. However, Cloud9's tactical missteps led to their elimination, making the incident a legendary tale of hubris and error in the "top league." This dramatic upset captured the community's attention, cementing "C9" as a widely recognized term, even if its original meaning sometimes gets lost in translation.

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We hope this article has shed light on what "C9" means in Overwatch. Feel free to share this with your friends to spread awareness about this fascinating piece of gaming culture!