Argentine rapper Duki (Mauro Ezequiel Lombardo) has officially become a partner and shareholder in South American esports organisation 9z Globant.
9z Globant shared the news on social media, calling it “an encounter between two worlds that always spoke the same language.” The organisation said Duki’s arrival begins a new chapter called the “9 Era.” However, as of writing, there is no public confirmation about the exact ownership percentage, how much money was invested by Duki, or the specific legal structure.
Duki’s relationship with 9z started long before he became a partner. He has supported the team publicly for years and is known as one of its biggest fans.
His support became especially visible in 2022 when 9z became the first Argentine team to qualify for a PGL Major Antwerp 2022 in Counter-Strike. Duki celebrated the achievement on social media and later appeared in Twitch watch parties during the IEM Major Rio 2022. During those streams, he reacted to matches, discussed plays, and even translated interviews for players.
After 9z defeated Evil Geniuses at the Rio Major, Duki once again celebrated online. Over the years, he has regularly worn 9z merchandise and promoted the organisation to his fans. The team has even called him “our biggest fan.”
Celebrities, athletes, and musicians investing in the esports sector are no longer a novelty. In 2018, hip-hop icon Drake became a co-owner of 100 Thieves. Meanwhile, in the sports world, former football star Sergio Agüero brought in his longtime teammate Lionel Messi as a co-owner of KRÜ Esports, and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois teamed up with the Federation of Sport to launch a new £1.6m ($2.1m USD) gaming and sports centre in Hull, England.
9z Globant has also continued to gain projection internationally. Recently, the organisation was selected for the Esports World Cup Foundation’s 2026 Club Partner Program alongside major teams like Team Liquid, Fnatic, T1, andTeam Vitality.
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