The MongolZ rifler Yesuntumur “nin9” Gantulga believes the team are still adapting to their new lineup despite reaching the Grand Final of IEM Beijing 2026. Speaking in an interview with HLTV after defeating Natus Vincere 2:0 in the semifinals, the Mongolian player discussed the development of the roster, his contribution to in-game calling and the upcoming championship match against MOUZ.
The MongolZ secured victories on Cache (13:10) and Inferno (13:11), advancing to another Grand Final with their updated roster. However, nin9 admitted that the players are still working on their coordination and communication.
The MongolZ are still adapting to their new lineup
Despite reaching the Grand Final, nin9 believes The MongolZ have not yet reached their full potential. The experienced rifler explained that the team are gradually improving their teamwork and correcting mistakes as they play more matches together.
Right now we’re still getting used to each other. We still haven’t fully become comfortable with each other yet.
The MongolZ previously won 1win Private Club with the new lineup, but their results at PGL Masters Bucharest 2026 were less successful. According to nin9, the players are becoming more comfortable with each other and improving their understanding of different situations.
The rifler also commented on the semifinal against NAVI, particularly the difficulties on Cache after The MongolZ entered the second half with an 8:4 advantage. He admitted that several mistakes and slow rotations allowed NAVI to recover, although he wanted to review the match before identifying the exact problems.
nin9 explains his role in the team’s communication
Earlier in the tournament, Sodbayar “Techno” Munkhbold praised the influence of nin9, suggesting that having him in the lineup almost felt like playing with two in-game leaders. However, the veteran downplayed his contribution and emphasized that Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren remains responsible for the main decisions.
That’s just Techno being generous with the compliments.
nin9 explained that he primarily communicates information about opponents and suggests possible setups when he notices opportunities during rounds. bLitz then makes the final decisions based on the information provided by his teammates.
The rifler also admitted that he is still working on his communication and does not consider himself a second in-game leader. His previous experience in the role with The Huns allows him to provide additional information, particularly in situations where players need to react quickly.
The MongolZ prepare for Grand Final against MOUZ
The MongolZ will face MOUZ in the Grand Final of IEM Beijing 2026 on November 8. The European team reached the championship match after defeating BetBoom 2:0 in the other semifinal, while The MongolZ eliminated NAVI without dropping a map.
When asked which opponent he would prefer to face, nin9 selected MOUZ because of their previous defeat against the team.
We previously lost against MOUZ, so I think that would be the better match.
The Grand Final will be played as a Bo5, providing another opportunity for The MongolZ to test their developing lineup against one of the leading teams in Counter-Strike. Despite acknowledging that the roster is still adapting, nin9 believes the team are making progress with every match.
