9z secured their spot in the IEM Major Cologne 2026 playoffs after a focused discussion on their mental challenges. The team identified their struggles against elite players such as ZywOo and donk, which had previously hindered their performance.

By addressing these issues, 9z managed to elevate their game and advance further in the tournament. max highlighted the significance of this analysis, noting that it played a crucial role in their recent success.

“Playing against ZywOo or donk, it’s like a mental block; we discussed that and it made us a better team today,” max said.

With this newfound mental clarity, 9z are aiming to maintain their momentum and continue their successful run in the playoffs.