Josef “faveN” Baumann and 9INE pulled off a remarkable qualifier run to secure their spot at the StarLadder StarSeries Fall 2025 in Budapest. The German rifler helped his team overcome Ninjas in Pyjamas and twice beat BIG — his former club — in a qualifier where 9INE started every series with a map loss before mounting decisive comebacks. For the roster, it marks not only their first LAN in two years, but also the first step in a crucial period with two LANs that could define their Major qualification hopes.
A tough road: three comebacks, three wins
9INE’s closed qualifier run was anything but straightforward. Against NiP and BIG (twice), they lost the opening map but fought back to win the following two each time.
Statistically, 9INE finished the qualifier with a 1.09 team rating across 9 maps, placing them inside the top five teams of the event. Individually, newcomers shined: cej0t led the lineup with a 1.21 rating, while phzy followed closely at 1.20. Even veterans like raalz and faveN delivered steady numbers, both maintaining a 1.00+ rating despite tougher positions.
The qualifier was really tough. If you look at the opponents we had, we were underdogs against everyone — against NiP, then BIG, and then BIG again. So it was actually a hard qualifier. That makes it even more meaningful that we managed to beat these teams. It shows we can go further and prove the real 9INE.
Facing NiP and the double clash with BIG
The first challenge came against NiP, where few expected 9INE to prevail.
I think most people thought we would lose, because we were the underdogs. But cej0t was outstanding, carrying us across all three maps. He really helped us win. They surprised us with Mirage, since it was both their permaban and ours. We gambled on Nuke, and they picked Mirage. They played it well, but after that we reminded ourselves that the next two maps were ones we actually practice. We could show our real strength, and it worked out.
The real test came in the two encounters with BIG, including a decisive play-in match.
In the first game we knew exactly what they would pick and how the veto would look. In the second game it was different — always weird to face the same team again so soon. We didn’t know what they would pick, and in the end it was Train. We still need more practice there. The maps were completely different from the first game. And playing BIG is always unique — I actually watch their games live more often than others, so sometimes I know what they’re about to do because I’ve seen it before.
Extra motivation against BIG
For faveN, beating BIG carries personal weight after spending nearly two years with the organization in CS:GO.
Against BIG, it’s always extra motivation. No bad blood — I know all of them, and I even played with tabseN. He’s a really good guy. But it gives me a different drive. Even before, when I was in Sprout or BLEED, I usually won against them. So there’s something positive about playing BIG for me.
New faces, new firepower
The summer brought roster changes to 9INE, with cej0t and phzy arriving and instantly lifting the team’s ceiling.
Since we took phzy and cej0t, both proved to be really good. Cej0t just turned 18 and already has communication on a tier-one level. He’s the next big talent if he keeps working. phzy is, in my opinion, also tier one. Individually he’s excellent, he never misses easy shots, and his communication is great too. He micromanages his teammates well, giving instructions during rounds.
With these additions, 9INE’s identity shifted, and faveN transitioned into more anchor-style roles:
With them, I took on more anchor positions. I’ve always been somewhat passive, but now it’s even more so. It feels good — I just need to keep improving in my spots.
Looking ahead: two LANs, crucial VRS points
Budapest will be 9INE’s first LAN appearance in two years, but not the only one on their calendar. After StarLadder, the team is also set to compete at DraculaN Season 1, another tournament that offers critical Valve Regional Standings points.
Of course, we’ll try our best. Personally, I think we should at least not finish last, maybe even reach playoffs. That would already be really good. And every team wants as many RMR points as possible to have a better shot at the Major.
With two LANs in quick succession, the team has a golden opportunity to establish themselves in the VRS race and edge closer to Major qualification.
German CS: a fading scene
faveN also reflected on the decline of the German Counter-Strike ecosystem compared to its strength 6–7 years ago.
Seven or eight years ago, we had many German teams, five or six in MDL, and four or five full-time lineups. But the organizations pulled out, players couldn’t play full-time, and many just got regular jobs. Now it’s basically only BIG and their academy. Even their academy isn’t fully German. There’s AJ in NAVI Youth, who I think has great potential, and Experian NXT with four good German players. But overall, the scene is struggling because full-time organizations left.
High living costs only worsened the problem:
If you want to live independently, it’s expensive. Back then, full-time teams paid maybe 2–2.5K EUR, which isn’t enough. Personally, I’ll soon have two kids and a family. With that salary it’s impossible. Many players probably chose stable jobs instead.
Fatherhood as motivation
faveN also shared personal news: he is expecting his second child. Far from a distraction, family has made him more focused.
Becoming a father actually helped me a lot in CS. People might think it reduces motivation, but for me it’s the opposite. I want to give everything for my kids and my wife. It made me more focused and serious, less childish, and that helped in my game.
What’s next
9INE’s qualifier run was a story of resilience — three times they dropped the opening map, three times they clawed their way back. With cej0t’s breakout, phzy’s sharp AWPing, and faveN’s experience, the team not only earned their place in Budapest but also announced themselves as serious contenders in the VRS race.
For 9INE, the next two months will be decisive: StarLadder in Budapest and DraculaN Season 1 will show whether this roster can turn promise into a Major spot.
