Diving into the world of Overwatch 2: The C9 Term

The gaming world thrives on unique slang and terminology, often born from memorable moments. While some might fondly remember the "Leeroy Jenkins" shout or Keanu Reeves' iconic "Wake up, Samurai" at E3 2019, the origin and meaning of "C9" remains a mystery to many. This article delves into the history and significance of this enigmatic phrase.

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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Though prevalent in various hero shooters, especially Overwatch 2, "C9" traces its roots back to the original Overwatch in 2017. During Apex Season 2, Cloud9, a dominant team, faced Afreeca Freecs Blue. Despite their superior skill, Cloud9 inexplicably prioritized individual kills over the objective on the Lijiang Tower map – holding the point.

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This shocking display of strategic failure, repeated twice across subsequent maps, stunned commentators and viewers alike. Afreeca Freecs Blue capitalized on Cloud9's blunder, securing an unexpected victory. This legendary moment, abbreviated from Cloud9's team name, became known as "C9," and continues to be used in streams and professional matches.

What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?

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In Overwatch chat, "C9" signifies a fundamental strategic error by a team. It harkens back to the 2017 incident, typically occurring when players become overly focused on eliminating opponents, completely neglecting map objectives. By the time they realize their mistake, it's often too late, prompting the sarcastic use of "C9."

Disagreements on the Definition of C9

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The gaming community remains divided on the precise definition of a "C9." Some consider any loss of control point a valid "C9," such as a team failing to hold their position due to an enemy Sigma's "Gravitic Flux."

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Others argue that a "C9" stems from a human error: forgetting the match's objective. Considering the origin story, this interpretation seems most accurate; Cloud9, arguably without necessity, abandoned the point.

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Finally, some use "C9" for amusement or to taunt opponents. Variations like "K9" or "Z9" exist, with "Z9" possibly a meta-meme popularized by streamer xQc, mocking incorrect "C9" usage.

What is the Reason for the Popularity of C9?

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Understanding the context of Overwatch Apex Season 2 is crucial. Cloud9, a prominent esports organization with teams across various games, boasted a top-tier Overwatch roster, considered one of the strongest Western teams.

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Their unexpected defeat against the less-accomplished Afreeca Freecs Blue, due to their baffling errors, shocked fans. This surprising upset in the "top league" cemented "C9" in gaming lexicon, despite some ambiguity in its current usage.

The term "C9" serves as a reminder of a memorable upset and the importance of strategic focus in competitive gaming. Share this with your friends and spread the knowledge!