9z Rise to No. 19 in Valve Regional Standings After Back-to-Back CS2 LAN Titles

South American CS2 team 9z have climbed to No. 19 in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) after winning two consecutive LAN tournaments, continuing their rapid rise in the Counter-Strike 2 competitive scene.

The Argentine-led squad secured trophies at BetBoom RUSH B Summit Season 2 and BetBoom Circuit X Pantanal Cuiabá 2026, collecting crucial ranking points and strengthening their position among the top CS2 teams outside the Tier-1 circuit.

Since completing their new lineup earlier this year, 9z have posted a 52–20 map record, translating strong online form into multiple tournament victories and a significant improvement in the global standings.

9z Win Two LAN Titles in Consecutive Weeks

The biggest boost to 9z’s ranking came from two LAN championships in March.

The team first won BetBoom RUSH B Summit Season 2 on March 1, defeating Sharks in the grand final.

Just a week later, 9z followed it up with another victory at BetBoom Circuit X Pantanal Cuiabá 2026, where they defeated Marsborne to secure their second consecutive LAN trophy.

These results pushed the team up the Valve Regional Standings, which determine qualification priority for several major CS2 events.

Back-to-back LAN wins have also reinforced 9z’s status as one of the most consistent teams in the South American Counter-Strike scene.

Roster Changes Behind 9z’s CS2 Success

9z’s recent success began with key roster moves in late 2025 and early 2026.

The organization signed Ignacio “meyern” Meyer and Luciano “luchov” Herrera in November 2025, strengthening the Argentine core of the team.

The lineup was completed in January 2026 when Franco “dgt” Garcia returned to 9z after a stint with paiN Gaming.

The reunion restored long-standing chemistry within the roster and helped stabilize the team’s roles heading into the new competitive season.

dgt: “I Feel Like I Can Be Myself at 9z”

After returning to the team, dgt said the move helped him rediscover his confidence and comfort in the server.

“I feel like I can be myself here. They listen to me and I can play the roles where I’m comfortable,” dgt said in an interview with Dust2 Brasil.

He added that the return to 9z gave him a chance to show his full potential again after a difficult period earlier in his career.

9z Focus on Winning Titles Rather Than Ranking Points

Despite their climb in the CS2 rankings, the team says their priority remains winning tournaments rather than chasing points.

Following their victory at BetBoom RUSH B Summit Season 2, dgt explained that the squad tries to avoid focusing too heavily on the Major race.

“In tournaments I think about becoming champion, not so much about the points,” he said.

That mindset has helped the team stay composed in high-pressure matches during their recent LAN runs.

Strong Team Chemistry Driving 9z’s Rise

Several players have pointed to team chemistry as a key factor behind 9z’s improved performance.

After winning the tournament in Cuiabá, luchov said the squad’s unity helped accelerate their development.

“Our unity made the process much faster. We’re showing in official matches what we’ve been building in practice.”

Team captain max also highlighted the importance of the atmosphere within the lineup.

“If I could stay at 9z my whole life, I would. It feels like home,” he said.

9z Set for International Test at BLAST Open Rotterdam

9z’s rise is not limited to regional competition.

The team recently qualified for BLAST Open Rotterdam by winning the BLAST Rising South America qualifier, defeating teams including Imperial, Sharks, and Gaimin Gladiators.

Their opening match at the event is scheduled against Team Vitality on March 19, which will provide a major test against top-tier international opposition.

What’s Next for 9z in CS2?

With two LAN titles, a top-20 position in the Valve Regional Standings, and a revitalized roster, 9z have quickly become one of the most promising teams in the South American CS2 ecosystem.

If the team can translate its regional dominance into strong performances at international events, 9z could soon establish itself as a consistent contender in the global Counter-Strike scene.