The gaming world thrives on unique slang and terminology, often born from memorable moments. While some might fondly recall "Leeroy Jenkins," others might resonate with Keanu Reeves' iconic "Wake up, Samurai" at E3 2019. Memes spread rapidly, but the origins and meaning of some, like "C9," remain unclear to many. This article delves into the enigmatic "C9" expression, explaining its source and significance.
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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While prevalent in various hero shooters, particularly Overwatch 2, "C9's" roots lie in the original Overwatch, specifically in 2017. During the Apex Season 2 tournament, Cloud9, a dominant team, faced Afreeca Freecs Blue. Despite their clear advantage, Cloud9 inexplicably prioritized individual kills over the objective on the Lijiang Tower map – holding the point.
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This shocking display, repeated twice across subsequent maps, led to AF Blue's unexpected victory. The incident, dubbed "C9" (short for Cloud9), became legendary, frequently appearing in streams and professional matches.
What Does C9 Mean in Overwatch?
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In Overwatch chat, "C9" signifies a fundamental strategic error by a team. It references the 2017 event, highlighting instances where players become overly focused on combat, neglecting crucial map objectives. By the time they realize their mistake, it's often too late, prompting the sarcastic "C9" spam.
Disagreements on the Definition of C9
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The gaming community debates the precise definition of a "C9." Some consider any control point abandonment a "C9," such as a team failing to hold position due to an enemy Sigma's "Gravitic Flux."
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Others emphasize the human element – forgetting the match's objective. Considering the origin story, this interpretation seems most accurate, as Cloud9, arguably, abandoned the point unnecessarily.
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Some use "C9" for amusement or to taunt opponents. Variations like "K9" or "Z9" exist, often carrying similar meanings. "Z9," however, is believed by some to be a meta-meme, popularized by streamer xQc, mocking the misuse of "C9."
What is the Reason for the Popularity of C9?
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Understanding the Apex Season 2 context is key. Cloud9, a prominent esports organization with teams across various games, possessed a top-tier Overwatch roster, considered a Western powerhouse.
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Their unexpected defeat against the less-accomplished Afreeca Freecs Blue, due to a series of blatant errors, was shocking. This surprising downfall in the "top league" cemented "C9" in gaming culture, even if its original meaning sometimes gets lost.
This explanation clarifies the meaning of "C9" in Overwatch. Share this with your fellow gamers!
