9z CS2 Team Surge in 2026: dgt Reacts to Winning Streak and Major Ambitions

The South American CS2 team 9z has emerged as one of the fastest-rising squads in early 2026, and Franco “dgt” Garcia believes the team’s progress has already exceeded expectations.

In a recent HLTV interview, dgt said:

“These three months have been about as good as we could have hoped for.”

Since his return to the lineup in January, 9z have secured multiple titles and significantly improved their global standing, climbing to No. 19 in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS).

9z Results: Titles and Winning Streak

9z’s rapid rise is backed by strong tournament performances:

Ace SA Masters 2026 Season 1 (BLAST qualifier)

BetBoom RUSH B Summit Season 2

BetBoom Circuit X Pantanal Cuiabá 2026

The team has also posted an impressive 52–20 map record since January, highlighting their consistency against regional competition.

These results have positioned 9z as a serious contender for CS2 Major qualification.

Why 9z Are Improving So Fast

According to dgt, one of the biggest factors behind 9z’s success is mentality:

The team is playing “without pressure” and improving quickly.

He emphasized that confidence and freedom have allowed the roster to develop faster than expected, especially given how new the lineup is.

Key Roster Changes Behind 9z’s Success

9z’s resurgence didn’t happen overnight. The organization rebuilt its core in late 2025:

Ignacio “meyern” Meyer joined (now transitioning to AWP)

Luciano “luchov” Herrera added

dgt returned in January 2026 after leaving paiN

Dgt highlighted meyern’s role switch as a crucial development:

He has “improved massively” on the AWP and is adapting quickly.

This flexibility has helped 9z become a more dynamic and dangerous team.

BLAST Open Rotterdam: First Real Tier-1 Test

Despite their success, dgt remains realistic about the team’s level. He described BLAST Open Rotterdam as a key test against top-tier opposition.

9z are set to face Vitality, one of the strongest teams in the world. Still, dgt showed confidence:

“If we see that they’re not at their best, we’ll beat them.”

This mindset reflects a team that is no longer satisfied with regional success.

dgt’s Return After paiN Esports Struggles

Dgt’s current form contrasts sharply with his 2025 stint at paiN Gaming.

When he joined paiN, he said:

“paiN always stood out to me.”

The team reached the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 semifinals, but failed to maintain consistency afterward.

Following their elimination, dgt admitted:

The team needed “more experience” and more time together.

By the end of the year, paiN benched dgt and dav1deuS, citing inconsistent results.

Looking back, dgt clarified that the issues were not mainly about communication:

Overlapping roles

Limited practice (especially in Europe)

Loss of confidence after defeats

What’s Next for 9z?

With momentum on their side, 9z are now focused on:

Competing consistently in international events

Climbing further in VRS rankings

Qualifying for the next CS2 Major

Dgt also pointed to the importance of a potential Major in Argentina, calling it especially meaningful for the team.

Conclusion: 9z Are No Longer Underdogs

9z’s 2026 run shows that they are no longer just a regional team — they are becoming a legitimate international contender.

With a revitalized dgt, a flexible roster, and growing confidence, the next step is clear:
proving themselves against the world’s elite.