Gustavo “yel” Knittel Departs 9z Team

The 9z Team has officially announced the departure of head coach Gustavo “yel” Knittel after a brief yet tumultuous five-month tenure. This decision marks a significant moment for the South American Counter-Strike 2 roster, known for its potential but hindered by inconsistent performance.

A New Chapter for 9z Team

“Today, we bid farewell to yel from our CS2 main team. We extend our gratitude for the moments we’ve shared, and please remember: 9z will always be your home,” stated an official post from 9z Team X.

Coaching Journey

Yel joined 9z Team in January 2023 following a period of inactivity after being benched by KRU Esports, where he began his coaching career. Though KRU struggled under his leadership, failing to secure any tournament victories and ultimately finishing 12th-14th in the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 American RMR tournament, expectations remained hopeful for his impact on 9z.

Unfortunately, his term was marred by similarly disappointing results. In his first outing, the team finished in the disappointing ninth-12th place during the Ace South American Masters Spring 2025 closed qualifiers.

Persistent Challenges

As months progressed, the situation did not improve. The 9z Team faced early exits in CCT Season 2 South American Series #7 and #8, finishing without a single victory and placing ninth-16th in both events. This consistency in lack of success raised questions about the team’s strategic execution and morale.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the 9z Team managed to qualify for the FiReLEAGUE Buenos Aires 2025, albeit without yel, who missed the event due to health issues. Bruno “BIT” Lima stepped in, and the team achieved their best results of the season, narrowly missing out on the finals, which would have qualified them for the Roobet Cup 2025.

Future Considerations

Despite this unexpected resurgence, yel’s short stint with the team raises queries about his future in coaching. Following his departure, he indicated no immediate plans but expressed intentions to focus on streaming.

As for the 9z Team, there is no rush to fill the vacant head coach position, as they currently lack upcoming tournament commitments. The team stands ranked 61st globally and 92nd in the Valve Regional Standings, suggesting a need for strategic re-evaluation moving forward.

In summary, the exit of yel from the coaching role illuminates broader issues faced by the team. With a search for new leadership anticipated, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching the next moves from 9z Team as they regroup for the future.