Somehow, the first team to advance to the PGL Astana 2026 playoffs is 9z, after running through their group stage opposition and qualifying with a 3-0 record.
The South American squad bested some of the best CS2 teams along the way and look poised for a strong placing at one of the last events before the IEM Cologne Major.
Here’s how this unlikely group stage run came together.
kyousuke couldn’t go toe-to-toe with 9z’s players. Credit: Helena Kristiansson | © ESL
Before the event, some of the CS2 betting favorites to make the PGL Astana 2026 playoffs included teams like Falcons, PARIVISION, and, although less likely with their fresh roster changes, MOUZ. Miraculously, 9z beat all of them back-to-back-to-back.
The South Americans made quick work of PARIVISION in their opening game, before outlasting Falcons in a full best-of-three series, which included a 13-1 thrashing on the decider map of Dust II.
Funnily enough, 9z’s last opponent standing between them and playoff qualification was MOUZ, whom they recently beat at BLAST Rivals Season 1, albeit that was before they made changes to their lineup.
No matter what players were on MOUZ’s roster, 9z had their number once again, eking out the 2-1 victory and booking themselves a quarter-final spot at PGL Astana 2026.
luchov’s level in Astana has been nothing short of exceptional. Credit: © 9z Globant
There’s no debate that the most impressive 9z player at PGL Astana thus far has been Luciano “luchov” Herrera. The Argentine rifler was lights-out in all three group stage games, but his performance against PARIVISION commanded the most attention.
PARIVISION players had no idea what they were getting into, loading into the T-side of 9z’s map pick of Inferno. luchov, defending the B site and banana, turned into one of the best CS2 players and put on an absolute masterclass, ending the CT half with over 207 ADR and a mesmerizing 27-4 scoreline.
Those numbers are absolutely outrageous. It might have been the best half performance in the history of CS2, if not Counter-Strike as a whole. One thing is for sure: 9z’s playoff opponents won’t be too keen on facing luchov on Inferno’s B site.
Can max lead 9z to a victory on the stage? Credit: © PGL
While 9z’s group stage run was exceptional, it doesn’t mean that it will translate to great playoff form. Playing in a packed-out arena is a completely different ball game than a quiet studio.
Even if the team’s best performers, luchov and Franco “dgt” Garcia, continue to play well, the lack of a consistent AWPer could hurt them. Ignacio “meyern” Meyer hasn’t put up his end of the bargain in Astana thus far.
For the sake of exciting Counter-Strike competition, let’s hope that 9z players take the playoffs atmosphere in their stride and continue their Cinderella PGL Astana 2026 run. If the stars align, could they defy the CS2 odds and take home the trophy?
Read also: FURIA went from Vitality’s biggest threat to missing playoffs. What happened?
Featured image credit: © PGL
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