Diving into the world of Overwatch 2: The C9 Term

The gaming world thrives on its own unique language, a vibrant mix of slang and inside jokes. From the legendary "Leeroy Jenkins!" to Keanu Reeves' iconic "Wake up, Samurai," memorable phrases and memes quickly become part of gaming culture. But some, like the enigmatic "C9," hold a more obscure origin. This article delves into the history and meaning of this often-used gaming term.

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?

While now prevalent across various team-based shooters, particularly Overwatch 2, the term "C9" traces its roots back to the original Overwatch in 2017. During Apex Season 2, a clash between Cloud9 and Afreeca Freecs Blue unfolded. Cloud9, the heavily favored team, inexplicably abandoned their strategic focus, prioritizing individual kills over objective control on the Lijiang Tower map.

This shocking display of misjudgment, repeated across subsequent maps, led to an unlikely victory for Afreeca Freecs Blue. The incident, forever etched in gaming history, became known as "C9"—a shorthand for the team's name—and continues to be referenced in streams and professional matches.

What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?

Seeing "C9" in chat typically signifies a team's fundamental strategic failure. It's a callback to the 2017 tournament, referencing a situation where players become so engrossed in combat that they completely neglect the map's objectives. By the time they realize their mistake, it's often too late, prompting the sarcastic use of "C9."

Disagreements on the Definition of C9

The precise definition of "C9" remains a subject of debate. Some consider any abandonment of a control point, even due to external factors like a Sigma's "Gravitic Flux," a valid "C9" moment.

Others maintain that a true "C9" stems from a lapse in judgment—a complete disregard for the match's objective due to player error. Considering the origin story, this interpretation aligns most closely with the original event, where Cloud9 abandoned the point without clear necessity.

Beyond these interpretations, "C9" is also used playfully or derisively. Variations like "K9" or "Z9" exist, with "Z9" often considered a meta-meme mocking the misuse of "C9," potentially popularized by streamer xQc.

What is the Reason for the Popularity of C9?

The enduring popularity of "C9" is deeply rooted in the context of the Apex Season 2 incident. Cloud9, a prominent esports organization with teams across various games, boasted a top-tier Overwatch roster, considered one of the strongest Western teams.

Their unexpected defeat against the less-renowned Afreeca Freecs Blue, due to a series of baffling mistakes, created a memorable and ironic moment. The sheer unexpectedness of such a high-profile team making such egregious errors cemented "C9" in gaming lexicon.

We hope this clarifies the meaning and origin of "C9" in the Overwatch community. Share this with your fellow gamers!