9z 2-0 at Cologne Major; Max credits B1T return

9z opened the Cologne Major with a 2-0 record, defeating FlyQuest and Astralis in the best-of-one stage in Cologne. The results kept all three tournament lives intact as the team advances to the best-of-three phase.

IGL Maximiliano “max” Gonzalez credited an intense practice block and the return of B1T for the strong start. He said the squad completed at least 100 hours of practice in the two weeks before the event, focusing on deathmatch sessions, demo review and scrims.

He noted the heavy preparation helped 9z start matches more cleanly, pointing to improved opening play on Dust2 and Nuke after slow starts at previous events.

Gonzalez pointed to B1T’s return to the lineup as a factor in in-game communication. B1T captained 9z from 2020 to 2022, then played for MIBR before rejoining the roster. Gonzalez added that B1T’s presence made calling easier and raised his own level: “He’s getting the best version of me. I trust a lot in him, and I hope to work with him for many years.”

Recent results include five consecutive wins in domestic events and a playoff appearance in Astana, where 9z recorded wins over Falcons and MOUZ. He cited those results as evidence the team is reaching its best form ahead of the Major.

The team now moves into best-of-three matches against higher-ranked opponents. Gonzalez said he prefers longer series and called the next stage the real start of the Major: “Tomorrow the real Major starts.” He added that sustained practice and improved team chemistry will be important against established teams.