9z star HUASOPEEK believes his team has taken a major step toward Counter-Strike's elite, but insists the South American squad still has work to do before it can truly be considered a tier-one contender.

Speaking after lifting the XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026 trophy and earning the first HLTV MVP award of his career, the Chilean rifler reflected on 9z's rapid rise, recent playoff appearances, and the standards the team has set for the remainder of the season.

 

Quick Summary

HUASOPEEK: Winning Isn't Enough to Call 9z a Tier-One Team

Fresh off the biggest tournament victory in the organization's history, HUASOPEEK remained notably measured when discussing where 9z currently stands.

Despite winning XSE Pro League, reaching the playoffs at PGL Astana, and making a breakthrough run at the IEM Cologne Major, he believes genuine tier-one teams demonstrate consistency against every opponent.

According to HUASOPEEK, losses suffered during the group stage against EYEBALLERS and Alliance illustrate why 9z still has another step to take before joining Counter-Strike's elite.

Rather than celebrating the trophy alone, he framed the victory as evidence that the team is moving in the right direction.

"We're close to being a tier-one team, but I don't think we're there yet."

 

Confidence Built Through Recent International Success

HUASOPEEK explained that 9z arrived in China already believing they could win.

That confidence came from several impressive international performances:

Playoff appearance at PGL Astana

Playoff appearance at the IEM Cologne Major

Victory over Vitality during their Major campaign

Continued improvement throughout the season

Rather than viewing the XSE title as an isolated success, the team sees it as the continuation of months of steady progress.

HUASOPEEK also credited preparation and mental resilience after disappointing results prior to Cologne, saying the squad continued working instead of losing confidence.

 

MVP Performance Caps a Breakthrough Tournament

Individually, the event represented another milestone.

HUASOPEEK collected:

His first international LAN trophy

His first HLTV MVP medal

Recognition as the first Chilean player to win an HLTV MVP award

He finished the tournament with a team-leading 1.19 rating, outperforming teammates and other MVP candidates during 9z's championship run.

 

Background: 9z's Rise During 2026

 

9z secured their first international LAN title, marking another major step in the organization's rise on the global Counter-Strike stage.

 

Only a few months ago, 9z were viewed primarily as one of South America's strongest regional teams.

Throughout 2026 they have gradually established themselves on the international stage by:

Reaching the playoffs at PGL Astana

Eliminating several established international opponents

Advancing to the IEM Cologne Major playoffs

Winning XSE Pro League Guangzhou

Breaking into the upper portion of Valve's ranking system, according to HUASOPEEK's interview comments

The progression has been steady rather than sudden, giving additional credibility to their recent success.

 

Why This Matters

9z's latest results suggest the organization may be evolving from a dangerous upset team into a legitimate contender.

However, HUASOPEEK's comments reveal that the players themselves are measuring success differently than many observers.

Instead of focusing on a single championship, they are targeting:

consistent playoff appearances,

repeat performances at S-tier tournaments,

qualification for future Majors,

eventually competing for a Major championship.

That mindset reflects a shift from proving they belong internationally to sustaining that level over an entire season.

 

Timeline

 

Key Details

 

Impact Analysis

The interview reinforces several themes surrounding 9z's development.

Improved confidence

Recent playoff appearances have clearly changed the team's expectations. Rather than hoping to upset favorites, 9z now enters international events believing it can compete for titles.

Long-term mentality

HUASOPEEK repeatedly emphasized collective goals instead of individual accolades, suggesting the roster is focused on sustainable growth rather than short-term success.

Higher expectations

Winning an international LAN means future events will likely feature greater scrutiny from opponents preparing specifically for 9z.

 

What Changes Now?

After winning XSE Pro League, expectations surrounding 9z increase considerably.

Instead of being viewed as an emerging South American roster, they will now be judged on whether they can:

qualify consistently for elite events,

reach playoffs regularly,

convert deep tournament runs into additional championships.

As HUASOPEEK noted, achieving that level consistently is what separates tier-one organizations from everyone else.

 

Watch some of HUASOPEEK's standout rounds from XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026 as the Chilean rifler helped lead 9z to the championship.

 

What to Watch Next

9z's next appearance at an S-tier international tournament (TBD)

Whether the roster can reproduce its playoff form against elite opposition

Continued development of HUASOPEEK following his first MVP award

The team's pursuit of qualification for the next Major

 

FAQ

Why did HUASOPEEK say 9z are not tier one yet?

He pointed to losses against lower-ranked opponents during XSE Pro League, saying truly elite teams maintain greater consistency throughout tournaments.

What did 9z win?

The team captured the XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026 championship, its first major international LAN trophy.

Did HUASOPEEK receive MVP?

Yes. He earned his first HLTV x 1xBet MVP award after leading 9z throughout the tournament.

What are 9z's goals?

According to HUASOPEEK, the objective is to reach the playoffs at every S-tier event, continue competing for trophies, and ultimately qualify for and win a future Major.