Exploring Overwatch 2: Understanding the C9 Term

Gaming culture is rich with special slang and terms that capture memorable moments, from the iconic "Leeroy Jenkins!" battle cry to Keanu Reeves' "Wake up, Samurai" at E3 2019. Among these, "C9" stands out as a term that puzzles many. In this article, we delve into the origins and significance of "C9" within the gaming community.

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 in 2017 during the Overwatch Apex Season 2 tournament. It emerged from a match between Cloud9 and Afreeca Freecs Blue. Despite Cloud9's reputation as a dominant team, they made a critical error on the Lijiang Tower map. Instead of focusing on holding the point, they chased kills, leading to a surprising victory for Afreeca Freecs Blue. This mistake was repeated on subsequent maps, cementing the term "C9" as shorthand for Cloud9's blunder, now used widely in live streams and professional matches.

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What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?

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In Overwatch, "C9" refers to a strategic mistake where a team forgets the objective, often getting distracted by fighting opponents. This term harks back to the 2017 tournament incident where Cloud9 lost focus on the map's goal. When players see a team making such an error, they might type "C9" in the chat to highlight the blunder.

Disagreements on the Definition of C9

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The gaming community debates what truly constitutes a "C9." Some argue it applies to any instance where a team abandons the control point, such as when an enemy's ability like Sigma's "Gravitic Flux" disrupts their position. Others believe it specifically refers to a lapse in focus, mirroring Cloud9's original mistake.

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There's also a playful side, where "C9" is used to tease or troll opponents. Variations like "K9" or "Z9" have emerged, with "Z9" often cited as a "metameme" popularized by streamer xQc, mocking those who misuse "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 in the Apex Season 2 tournament. Cloud9 was a powerhouse in the esports scene, expected to dominate. Their loss due to such a basic mistake was shocking and memorable, especially given their status as a top Western team.

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This incident in the "top league" of Overwatch competition made "C9" a lasting meme, though its original context is sometimes forgotten. The term's widespread use reflects its impact on the gaming community.

We hope this explanation helps you understand what "C9" means in Overwatch. Share this with your friends to spread awareness about this fascinating aspect of gaming culture!