{"id":373467,"date":"2026-03-21T19:25:10","date_gmt":"2026-03-21T19:25:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/community.skin.club\/?p=373467"},"modified":"2026-03-21T19:25:10","modified_gmt":"2026-03-21T19:25:10","slug":"9z-upset-mouz-in-2-1-thriller-stay-alive-in-rotterdam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/community.skin.club\/en\/news\/9z-upset-mouz-in-2-1-thriller-stay-alive-in-rotterdam","title":{"rendered":"Massive upset in Rotterdam: 9z send MOUZ packing"},"content":{"rendered":"

9z pulled off one of the biggest lower bracket upsets at BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026, defeating MOUZ 2\u20131 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.<\/p>\n

Path in the tournament<\/h3>\n

This result marks a dramatic turning point for both teams in Rotterdam.<\/p>\n

For MOUZ, the loss means an early elimination \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

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\n Inner Circle Academy shatter Dust2 record in 34\u201330 overtime thriller<\/a>\n \n
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Mar 21<\/div>\n News<\/a> <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Map breakdown<\/h3>\n
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Stephanie-Lindgren_BLAST-Open-Rotterdam 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dust2 began as a promising start for MOUZ, who secured a 13\u201311 victory on their opponent\u2019s pick. Their T side looked composed, with key mid-round calls allowing them to edge out crucial rounds in a tight contest.<\/p>\n

However, Inferno completely flipped the script. 9z responded with a dominant 13\u20138 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.<\/p>\n

The decider on Nuke turned into a statement. 9z delivered a clean and confident performance, closing the map 13\u20139. Strong defensive structure and better late-round decision-making allowed them to shut down MOUZ\u2019s attempts to recover, sealing the series 2\u20131.<\/p>\n

Player statistics for the match<\/h3>\n

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Player of the Match<\/h3>\n
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Stephanie-Lindgren_BLAST-Open-Rotterdam 2026<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Luciano \u201cluchov\u201d Herrera stepped up as the difference-maker for 9z:<\/p>\n

50\u201343 K-D
\n80.6 ADR
\n1.21 rating<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

VRS impact<\/strong><\/p>\n

The result also had notable implications for the Valve Regional Standings:<\/p>\n