Exploring Overwatch 2: Understanding the C9 Term

The gaming community thrives on its unique slang and terms, often born from memorable moments or events. From the iconic "Leeroy Jenkins!" battle cry to Keanu Reeves' "Wake up, Samurai" at E3 2019, these phrases become part of gaming lore. Among these, "C9" stands out as a term that puzzles many. In this article, we'll delve into the origins and meaning of "C9," shedding light on this intriguing 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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Although "C9" is commonly heard in various session shooters, particularly in Overwatch 2, its roots trace back to the original Overwatch during the 2017 Apex Season 2 tournament. The match featured Cloud9 versus Afreeca Freecs Blue. Cloud9, a dominant force, unexpectedly lost their focus and began "chasing kills" instead of holding the point on the Lijiang Tower map. This lapse in strategy led to their defeat, which was so surprising that it happened not once but twice in subsequent maps. This blunder was dubbed "C9," derived from Cloud9's name, and it has since become a staple in gaming streams and professional matches.

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What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?

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In Overwatch, "C9" is used to call out a team's fundamental strategic error. It harks back to the 2017 tournament incident where players became too engrossed in combat and neglected the map's objectives. By the time they refocused, it was often too late, prompting the "C9" spam in chat as a reminder of this classic mistake.

Disagreements on the Definition of C9

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The gaming community debates what truly constitutes a "C9." Some argue it's any abandonment of the control point, such as when an enemy's ability like Sigma's "Gravitic Flux" forces a team off their position. Others insist it's specifically when players forget the match's objective due to human error, aligning more closely with the original incident. There's also a playful faction that uses "C9" to tease or irritate opponents. Variations like "K9" or "Z9" exist, with "Z9" often seen as a "metameme" popularized by xQc, mocking incorrect uses of "C9."

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What is the Reason for the Popularity of C9?

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The popularity of "C9" stems from the unexpected events of the Overwatch Apex Season 2. Cloud9, a powerhouse in the esports scene across multiple games, was expected to easily defeat Afreeca Freecs Blue. However, their tactical errors led to a shocking loss, immortalizing the term "C9" among fans. The incident's notoriety in the "top league" contributed to its widespread use, even if its original context is sometimes forgotten.

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We hope this article has clarified the meaning and origin of "C9" in Overwatch. Share this with your friends to spread awareness about this fascinating piece of gaming culture!