Diving into the world of Overwatch 2: The C9 Term

The gaming community thrives on unique slang and terminology. While some phrases, like "Leeroy Jenkins!" evoke immediate understanding, others, such as "C9," remain shrouded in mystery for many. This article delves into the origins and meaning of this enigmatic expression.

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, particularly Overwatch 2, "C9's" roots lie in the original Overwatch, specifically during Apex Season 2 in 2017. A match between Cloud9 and Afreeca Freecs Blue unfolded. Cloud9, the heavily favored team, inexplicably abandoned strategic objectives, prioritizing individual kills ("kill chasing") on the Lijiang Tower map.

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This shocking display, repeated across subsequent maps, led to AF Blue's unexpected victory. The incident, a testament to Cloud9's strategic blunder, became instantly legendary, abbreviated to "C9" – a direct reference to the team's name. This term persists in live streams and professional matches.

What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?

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In the context of Overwatch, "C9" signifies a fundamental strategic error by a team. It harkens back to the 2017 tournament incident. Players, engrossed in combat, neglect crucial map objectives. By the time they realize their mistake, it's often too late, prompting the sarcastic use of "C9" in chat.

Disagreements on the Definition of C9

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The precise definition of "C9" remains a point of contention. Some consider any objective abandonment a "C9," such as failing to hold a point due to enemy actions.

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Others argue that "C9" specifically refers to a human error—forgetting the match's objective. The 2017 incident supports this interpretation, as Cloud9 seemingly abandoned the point without compelling reason.

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Beyond its core meaning, "C9" is also used playfully or to taunt opponents. Variations like "K9" and "Z9" exist, with "Z9" possibly a meta-meme popularized by streamer xQc, mocking the misuse of "C9."

What is the Reason for the Popularity of C9?

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The enduring popularity of "C9" stems from the context of the Apex Season 2 incident. Cloud9, a prominent esports organization with top-tier rosters across various games, was considered a dominant force in Overwatch.

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Their unexpected defeat against a less-renowned team, due to such a blatant strategic failure, cemented "C9" in gaming lore. The irony of a top-tier team making such a basic mistake contributed significantly to its widespread adoption, even if its original meaning sometimes gets lost.

This explanation clarifies the meaning of "C9" in Overwatch. Share this knowledge with your fellow gamers!