Diving into the world of Overwatch 2: The C9 Term

Gaming communities often develop unique slang and phrases that become part of their cultural lexicon. From the legendary "Leeroy Jenkins!" shout to Keanu Reeves' iconic "Wake up, Samurai" at E3 2019, these expressions encapsulate moments and memories within the gaming world. One such term that has puzzled many players is "C9." In this article, we'll dive deep into its origins, meaning, and why it resonates so strongly within the community.

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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The term "C9" emerged from a memorable moment in the Overwatch competitive scene during the 2017 Apex Season 2 tournament. Cloud9, a dominant team known for their prowess across various esports titles, faced off against Afreeca Freecs Blue. Despite their favored status, Cloud9 unexpectedly faltered on the Lijiang Tower map. Instead of focusing on the objective of holding the point, the team chased kills, leading to a shocking loss. This blunder, repeated across subsequent maps, coined the term "C9," derived from the team's name, which is still referenced in streams and professional matches today.

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What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?

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In Overwatch, "C9" is a term used to highlight a fundamental strategic error where a team forgets the map's objective, often getting distracted by combat. Stemming from Cloud9's infamous mistake, it's now used in chat to point out when a team loses focus on objectives like capturing or defending a point, leading to a late realization and often, defeat.

Disagreements on the Definition of C9

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The Overwatch community debates what constitutes a true "C9." Some argue it applies to any abandonment of a control point, even if forced by an enemy's action like Sigma's "Gravitic Flux." Others believe it's specifically when players forget the objective due to human error, aligning closely with the original incident.

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There's also a playful use of the term, with variations like "K9" or "Z9" appearing in chat. The latter, popularized by streamer xQc, is often considered a "metameme" mocking incorrect uses of "C9."

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Also read: Mercy: a detailed analysis of the character from Overwatch 2

What is the Reason for the Popularity of C9?

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The term "C9" gained traction due to the unexpected nature of Cloud9's defeat in Apex Season 2. As a top-tier team with a reputation for excellence, their tactical misstep was both shocking and memorable. The event's high profile in the competitive scene helped cement "C9" in gaming lore, although its original meaning can sometimes be lost amidst its widespread use.

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Understanding "C9" enriches your appreciation of the Overwatch community's history and language. Share this insight with fellow gamers to spread awareness of this fascinating aspect of gaming culture!