HUASOPEEK: 9z Aims for Consistency in S-Tier Events
9zHUASOPEEK discusses 9z's ambitions for the upcoming season following their XSE Pro League victory.
Matias "HUASOPEEK" Ibañez Hernandez expressed confidence in 9z's potential for the next season, aiming for regular playoff appearances in S-tier tournaments. Following their impressive performance at the XSE Pro League in Guangzhou, where they defeated teams like PARIVISION and TYLOO to clinch their first international LAN title, 9z's aspirations are clearer than ever.
The team has recently seen a surge in form, notably making the playoffs at both the PGL Major in Astana and the IEM Cologne Major prior to their successful run in China. "We felt we could win this tournament," HUASOPEEK stated. The team's past successes instilled confidence heading into the event, setting them up as one of the favorites.
Reflecting on his MVP-awarded performance, HUASOPEEK noted the lessons learned in Cologne as pivotal in honing his skills, especially fitting into his role as an entry fragger. This newfound confidence positively influenced his play. "I felt confident throughout the whole event, and I came with a lot of confidence because I'm seeing a lot of new things," he added.
The recent achievements have bolstered HUASOPEEK’s view of the team’s stature. However, he remains cautious, asserting, "I think we're close to being a tier-one team, but I don't think we're there yet." He pointed to losses against EYEBALLERS and Alliance as areas where the team still needs improvement, noting that top-tier teams generally do not lose to lesser-ranked opponents.
Looking ahead, HUASOPEEK emphasized a focused strategy for 9z. The target is set on making it to the playoffs in every S-tier event and ultimately qualifying for the Major in Argentina, which they aspire to win. "The team's goal is to make playoffs at every tier S event and try to win a tournament," he concluded.
The tournament experience was bittersweet, marred by technical issues but invigorated by the enthusiastic Chinese crowd. HUASOPEEK appreciated the support, citing the crowd's energy as a motivating force in the persistent delays faced during the event.