9z pulled off one of the biggest lower bracket upsets at BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026, defeating MOUZ 2–1 and knocking the European squad out of the tournament. In a series that shifted momentum multiple times, the South American side showed resilience and clutch factor when it mattered most, especially on the deciding map. MOUZ started strong on Dust2, but from that point on, the series slowly slipped out of their control as 9z adapted both tactically and individually, closing the door with a confident finish on Nuke.
Path in the tournament
This result marks a dramatic turning point for both teams in Rotterdam.
For MOUZ, the loss means an early elimination — a disappointing outcome considering their strong ranking and expectations coming into the event. After falling to The MongolZ earlier, this defeat confirms one of their weakest tournament runs in recent months.
Meanwhile, 9z keep their campaign alive in the lower bracket. After an opening loss to Vitality, they bounce back with a crucial victory and will now look to build momentum as they face tougher opponents in the next round.
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Map breakdown
Dust2 began as a promising start for MOUZ, who secured a 13–11 victory on their opponent’s pick. Their T side looked composed, with key mid-round calls allowing them to edge out crucial rounds in a tight contest.
However, Inferno completely flipped the script. 9z responded with a dominant 13–8 win, controlling the pace from the very beginning. Their CT setups proved difficult to break, while their individuals consistently won opening duels, putting MOUZ on the back foot.
The decider on Nuke turned into a statement. 9z delivered a clean and confident performance, closing the map 13–9. Strong defensive structure and better late-round decision-making allowed them to shut down MOUZ’s attempts to recover, sealing the series 2–1.
Player statistics for the match
Player of the Match
Luciano “luchov” Herrera stepped up as the difference-maker for 9z:
50–43 K-D
80.6 ADR
1.21 rating
His consistency across all three maps and ability to win key duels played a crucial role in pushing 9z over the line, especially in the final stages of Nuke.
VRS impact
The result also had notable implications for the Valve Regional Standings:
- MOUZ: −28 points
- 9z: +57 points
A significant boost for 9z as they climb the rankings, while MOUZ suffer a heavy drop that could impact future invitations.
Team reactions
MOUZ acknowledged the disappointing result with a candid message:
It had to happen at some point. The first time we miss the playoffs since IEM Katowice 2025. GG WP 9zTeam.
On the other side, 9z celebrated the upset with confidence:
Reescribiendo la historia… cerramos la serie 2–1 ante MOUZ. Nos vemos mañana — vamos nosotros.
The victory marks a statement moment for the South American squad, proving they can compete against top-tier opposition on the big stage.
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What’s next?
9z move forward in the lower bracket, where every match becomes do-or-die. With momentum now on their side, they will aim to continue their run and challenge the remaining contenders. For MOUZ, the focus shifts to regrouping after an unexpected early exit — a result that raises serious questions ahead of upcoming Tier-1 events.
