Abstract We present counts-level fits to the multi-instrument (keV–GeV) data of the early afterglow (4 ks, 22 ks) of the brightest gamma-ray burst detected to date, GRB 221009A. The complexity of the data reduction, due to the unprecedented brightness and the location in the Galactic plane, is critically addressed. The energy spectrum is found to be well described by a smoothly broken power law with a break energy at a few keV. Three interpretations (slow/fast cooling or the transition between these) within the framework of forward shock synchrotron emission, from accelerated and subsequently cooled electrons, are found. The physical implications for each of these scenarios are discussed.