Top Ten Overwatch Teams
San Francisco Shock
The Overwatch League’s number one team. The Shock was an established titan at the end of the first season.
They made history in the second stage, but it was only after that second season.
The Shock won the hearts of the world with a stunning seven-game Stage 1 Final against the Vancouver Titans.
They were able to trade blows with some of the most elite teams in the world, but they also presented a unique challenge.
They quickly took control of the Overwatch League, and they have been nothing but inspiring.
, They could be better, but they were able to compete with the Shock when they were at the top.
Vancouver Titans
Throughout the majority of 2019, the Titans were just as good as the Shock.
They are, without a doubt, a top-tier team, regardless of meta. But it remains to be seen how they will adjust after losing a few players.
They should have been more consistent than they were, which is a shame considering how high this lineup can go.
Although their most recent off-season was not without its challenges, it was an excellent start to the new season.
They brought Jehong “ryujehong,” Ryu’s support legend, and Chan-hyung (“Fissure”) Baek with them so they could enter the 2020 season with more aggression and experience than ever before.
However, they may not start as well if they lose a few key players. Vancouver will experience growing pains, at least initially.
New York Excelsior
The New York Excelsior, or NYXL as it is commonly known, is one of the fascinating teams in the League.
They are overwhelmingly dominant when they’re at their best and have maintained an admirable level of excellence for the past two years.
They often need to capitalize upon their momentum and hype despite this. High expectations and some crushing defeats marked the two-year-long Overwatch League tenure.
NYXL is dominating beyond measure up until they reach the season-defining matches. That’s when they fall, or at least more often.
They dominated the first season but collapsed once they reached the final playoffs.
They were also near the top of season two, but their exceptional play didn’t win them any wins that would have been significant in the grand scheme.
Despite this, the New York Excelsior is still one the most dangerous and skilled teams in the Overwatch League. This should continue to be so once the third season begins.
Seoul Dynasty
Seoul signed a few remarkable people during the off-season.
They also brought Hyeong-seok “WizardHyeong,” Joon-yeong (“Profit”) Park, and Jaehee (“Gesture”) Hong.
They are all household names, and they will lift this team to new heights.
Seoul didn’t capitalize on their momentum entering the Overwatch League, but they are finally starting to hit their stride and could string a few high-profile wins for 2020.
If this team “clicks,” it will be a formidable challenger capable of competing at the highest levels.
Hangzhou Spark
Hangzhou was a notable player last year but could not make it big.
This one fact does not diminish their valiant efforts.
The Chinese team is expected to start the year strong with only one Chinese player because they have made very few changes in the off-season.
They will build on their solid foundation starting in 2019 and are a true powerhouse in the making.
They are talented and can work in sync.
Atlanta Reign
Atlanta was on a rollercoaster in 2019.
They had monumental victories, crushing losses, and everything in between.
They made some solid pick-ups in the last few weeks, which should stabilize them somewhat.
They are talented — they have to work together, stay on track, and play to their strengths.
They’ll be less of a momentum-based group and more of an all-around challenger who can tango alongside the best in the League over time. If things go their way, they could be ranked higher.
Houston Outlaws
The Texas-based Overwatch League team has been in a confusing two-year stint.
Although they were competitive almost all the time, their play was unpredictable.
However, this still needs to change the fact that their talented lineup is unquestionable.
Houston has made some astute signings in the last few months, all of which are upgrades.
Although this might need to be more, the Outlaws will be stepping up significantly once the third season begins off the Overwatch League.
Although they won’t be challenging San Francisco Shock to the OWL throne, they will surely be dangerous and well-rounded gatekeepers with various weapons.
Los Angeles Gladiators
Nobody knows what to make of the Los Angeles Gladiators.
They are a talented group, that’s certain, but they’re also difficult to read.
They are a Top 10 contender at the most. However, it is still being determined how high they will be able to climb.
After defeating Hangzhou Spark in 4-3 fashion, they surprised many people by dropping a close 2-4 series to the Vancouver Titans.
It’s impossible to predict how they will play or what they’ll do even if they play well. That flexibility and willingness for experimentation are one of their greatest assets.
Even though the team has changed a lot during the off-season, they should not be weaker after collaborating and being on the same page.
They have a lot of talent and should be able to compete for a place in the top ten.
Shanghai Dragons
It is impossible to predict how Shanghai will perform.
They lost 42 matches in succession but then won the third stage of the second season.
This is about the most significant turnaround humans can make.
They have lost a few key players, most notably Young-jin Gamsu Noh, but have brought in many new players (some high-profile veterans).
They have the potential to be a Top 10 team if they can adapt quickly enough. However, there are still many questions about Shanghai.
Philadelphia Fusion
Another great team that could have made an impact in 2019.
Although they certainly had their moments on all four stages, they could not deliver when needed.
It’s a shame because we know their true potential. Their performance in the inaugural Overwatch League season is a testament to that.
Despite last year’s disappointing performance, their talent pool is still impressive, and they should be able to reach the top ten if they make the proper adjustments.
The meta should favor Jaehyeok Lee “Carpe” and Josue Corona “Eqo,” making Philly a formidable challenger. Expect them to be a determined and aggressive team full of determination and grit.