ESL Pro League S18: 9Z secures a spot!

ESL Pro League S18: 9Z secures a spot!

Andre Guaraldo

14 Jun, 2023, 17:08

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Last updated: 11 Apr, 2025, 19:00

9z, a South American team, has secured qualification for ESL Pro League Season 18 through the South American open qualifier. They emerged victorious after defeating multiple teams to earn their spot at the event in Malta.

9Z celebration post for the ESL Pro League 18 spot (credits: 9Z Twitter)
9Z celebrates the ESL Pro League 18 spot (credits: 9Z Twitter)

During the qualifier, we got a glimpse of the new Brazilian lineups that were formed during the off-season. Teams like 00NATION, Fluxo, and O PLANO made it to the round of 16. However, 9z had the advantage of being on the other side of the bracket as the No.1 seed.

The journey to the classification

9z had a relatively smooth journey through the early matches, facing a real challenge only against Meta before reaching the semi-finals.

Their semi-final series against BESTIA went the distance, with both teams winning their map picks 16-14, and 9z narrowly clinching victory on Overpass in overtime.

On the other side of the bracket, Fluxo knocked out O PLANO in the round of 16, securing a 16-12 victory on Ancient.

This set up their own semi-final series against 00NATION, who had previously defeated Solid. Fluxo, emerged victorious in that bout, winning the series 2-0 and advancing to the grand final against 9z.

The final battle: details of the Grand Final

In the grand final, 9z showcased improved form compared to their previous match against BESTIA. David "dav1deuS" Tapia Maldonado stood out on Anubis, leading 9z to a dominant 16-7 win and stealing away 00NATION's map pick.

9z continued their strong performance on Ancient making a comeback from a 6-9 deficit on the CT side and securing a 16-11 victory.

With the South American qualifier concluded, we already have 30 out of the 32 teams participating in EPL Season 18. The remaining two spots will be filled by teams advancing through the NC Europe qualifier, set to begin on July 14.

Which teams are in the ESL Pro League 18?

Here are the teams to compete at the event so far:

  • Group A: Vitality, GamerLegion, FURIA, Astralis, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Movistar Riders, Grayhound
  • Group B: Heroic, ENCE, MOUZ, Monte, BIG, MIBR, Evil Geniuses
  • Group C: FaZe, Natus Vincere, Apeks, fnatic, Imperial, Rare Atom, ATK
  • Group D: G2, Cloud9, Liquid, Virtus.pro, Complexity, 9INE, Lynn Vision

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Qualifying for ESL Pro League is a big deal

ESL Pro League is one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in professional CS:GO. As a premier global league, ESL Pro League Season 18 gathers top teams to compete for a money and recognition.

For 9z, their qualification to ESL Pro League Season 18 not only solidifies their standing as one of the top teams in South America but also grants them the chance to challenge and measure themselves against the best teams from different regions. T

The event serves as a platform to attract sponsors, and gain experience to elevate their status in the CS:GO scene.

Conculsion

With the significance and prestige attached to ESL Pro League, teams strive to deliver their best performances, engage fans worldwide, and make their mark in the competitive landscape.

As 9z prepares to compete alongside other renowned teams, the stage expects an exhilarating tournament that will shape the future of CS:GO and determine who will emerge as the ultimate champions of ESL Pro League Season 18.

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