9z’s Max: mental block vs ZywOo and donk fixed for Major

At media day before the Major playoffs, Maximiliano ‘max’ Gonzalez described a mental block his team experienced when facing top players such as ZywOo and donk. The Uruguayan in-game leader said 9z addressed the issue by simplifying their approach, focusing on basic movement and clearer communication, and building player confidence. Those changes coincided with the team advancing to the Major playoffs.

Gonzalez identified specific adjustments the squad made under pressure. He described a focus on fundamentals — avoiding risky strafing, keeping rounds straightforward and committing to simple, direct plays — and said the team discussed these points openly to reduce hesitation in clutch moments. “Not strafing, not putting love in the round, just try to go straight, press W,” he said.

The in-game leader referenced earlier defeats at BLAST Open Rotterdam and a quarter-final run at PGL Astana as moments that exposed where the team needed mental and tactical improvement. He said those results helped 9z understand how to handle stronger opposition and how to recover after emotionally charged matches.

9z’s Major run featured a Stage 3 series against Spirit and an upset win over Vitality, both matches that followed heavier losses to the same opponents in Rotterdam. Gonzalez pointed to the team’s improved ability to reset between games as evidence of progress, citing a recovery from a 2-0 deficit to force a 2-2 scoreline and then advance in a later match as an example of the squad’s resilience.

Gonzalez also credited prior arena experience for easing nerves at the Major. The team’s appearance in Astana, he said, meant the current arena setting was not entirely new to the roster. “We are a little bit more experienced, and we experienced things in Astana so that this time, it’s not new,” he told reporters, adding that maintaining calm remains a focus.

Individual performances featured in 9z’s improvement. Gonzalez highlighted luchov’s breakout form and noted that meyern has adapted to a new role. He said dgt returned stronger mentally and provided additional CT-side calling support, while HUASO contributed steady communication and a positive attitude. Gonzalez described the squad as energetic and motivated, which he said helped with in-game decision making.

9z will face regional rival FURIA in the quarter-finals. Gonzalez described the matchup as intense because of familiarity between players from the same region and expressed belief the team can advance to the semi-finals. “Our expectation is to go through to the semi-finals; I think we can do it,” he said.