nin9: The MongolZ Are Still Finding Their Footing

The MongolZ reached the IEM Beijing grand final after beating Natus Vincere 2-0, but Yesuntumur “nin9” Gantulga said the team is still adjusting to its new lineup.

The MongolZ won both maps in the semifinal. On Cache, the team led 8-4 before NAVI took five straight rounds after the side switch. Nin9 attributed the loss of momentum to small mistakes and slow rotations, while adding that he needed to review the rounds before identifying the exact cause.

“We still haven’t fully become comfortable with each other yet,” nin9 said. “But game after game, we’re getting better and fixing most of our small mistakes.”

Nin9 joined The MongolZ after previously saying he could be the piece the team needed to win matches. He has since helped the lineup win a trophy, although he described the players as still adapting to one another and improving their coordination.

Teammate Sodbayar “Techno” Munkhbold recently described the lineup as having “two IGLs,” or in-game leaders. Nin9 rejected that description, explaining that captain Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren remains responsible for the team’s final decisions.

“That’s just Techno being generous with the compliments,” nin9 said. “Right now I don’t think I’m doing too good vocally, but I still do my part.”

Nin9 provides information about setups and situations he notices, then leaves the response to bLitz. He added that sharing what he sees and feels can make the captain’s work easier, though he does not consider himself a major source of calls.

The MongolZ will face either MOUZ or BETBOOM in the grand final. Nin9 prefers MOUZ because The MongolZ previously lost to the European team. He also acknowledged that both potential opponents have been playing well recently.

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Reviewed and fact-checked by Alex Panasenko on November 7.