The obelisk in Buenos Aires was lit up to celebrate 9z Team qualifying for IEM Cologne Major 2026

An unusual tribute in Buenos Aires marked 9z Team’s success on the professional Counter-Strike 2 scene. After the team qualified for IEM Cologne Major 2026, the famous obelisk in the Argentine capital was illuminated in purple, a color closely associated with the club. A photo of the landmark appeared on Reddit and quickly drew the community’s attention.

For 9z Team, this was not just a beautiful symbolic gesture, but also further proof of how important the team’s qualification for the biggest tournament of the season has become for the region. The Argentine club has long been considered one of the most recognizable representatives of the Latin American scene, and its participation in the Major has sparked a strong response among local fans.

The obelisk itself is considered one of the main symbols of Buenos Aires. According to historical records, this is the place where the Argentine flag was raised for the first time. The monument is 67 meters tall and is traditionally used for various national and public events. That is why the lighting in honor of 9z Team’s Major qualification looks especially meaningful.

At IEM Cologne Major 2026, the roster will begin its run from the second stage. This will be the club’s third Major in history. Previously, 9z Team competed at two world championships, while the team’s best result remains a 17th–19th place finish at IEM Rio Major 2022.

All Teams Qualified for IEM Cologne Major 2026

IEM Cologne Major 2026 itself will take place on LAN in Germany from June 2 to 21. The tournament will feature 32 teams competing for a $1.25 million prize pool. For 9z, the upcoming championship will be a chance not only to improve its best-ever result, but also to once again represent Latin America on the biggest CS2 stage.