The Overwatch League is broken up into four stages. In each stage, teams will play seven games (excluding playoffs). The teams can play as many as two games per week, or none on a bye week. Here is a look at the Los Angeles Gladiators’ Stage One schedule, with a dive into each of the seven games.
Courtesy of USA Today
In the very first day of the Overwatch League, fans will be treated to a new rivalry. After the playoff debacle where Chan-hyung “Fissure” Baek opted to sit out, he left the team. He quickly joined the Seoul Dynasty, after it was rumored that he wanted to return to an all-Korean lineup. This will be Fissure’s first game on the Dynasty, as well as the first game versus the Gladiators. Expect tension all match, and hopefully some hugs from teammates after the game.
This first game will be very important for both of these teams, as they will want to start strong. The Gladiators will look to make a statement, pushing hard in that first game. The new pieces will attempt to fit in and contribute as early as possible. Expect them to go GOATS, as that is the meta that is dominating the game as of now. For a look at how the Gladiators might fare in the current meta, click here.
To close out Week One, the Gladiators will be taking on their neighbors to the North. The Shock boast a roster of 12 players, six Korean, one Swedish and five Americans. No one is sure yet what the starting lineup will be for the game versus the Gladiators. With four of these 12 players joining after the conclusion of Season 1, as well as the loss of Dante “Danteh” Cruz, the starting lineup for the Shock is a toss up for next season.
The Gladiators’ confidence may hinge on their first game against the Dynasty. The good news for the Gladiators is that their first game is on Thursday, while their game against the Shock is on Sunday. This will give them time to either revel in their victory, or shake off the heartbreak of a loss. However, if the Gladiators play as a unit, they should make easy work of the Shock.
Though facing a new team, the Gladiators will be familiar with a few players on the roster. The Paris team boasts former Los Angeles Valiant players Terence “SoOn” Tarlier and Finnbjörn “Finnsi” Jónasson. They also brought in George “ShaDowBurn” Gushcha from the Philadelphia Fusion. This all-European roster is untested as a group, with only three previous Overwatch League players.
The Gladiators have two options here. First, they can come out strong and send a statement, with a full starting lineup. Second, they can play some of their bench players, such as allowing Riku “Ripa” Toivanen to get some starting experience at the support role. Either way, expect them to get the win against the Paris team.
Courtesy of the Overwatch League
A rematch of the first round of the playoffs last year. After a great start, the Gladiators got reverse swept and crashed hard out of the playoffs. The Gladiators will be looking for revenge against the reigning champions. Playing with a chip on their shoulder could motivate or hinder the Gladiators in this fight. Either way, expect this game to be extremely entertaining.
London will come out swinging, and the battle between the DPS players is what it will come down to. Lane “Surefour” Roberts versus oon-yeong “Profit” Park will be one to watch. If neither team runs GOATS, and we see more traditional compositions, highlight reel moments can be expected.
Another new team for the Gladiators to face, this team looks like the best of the new Chinese teams, both in team color and player ability. With Xu “guxue” Qiulin leading the helm for the Spark, they will not be a team to write off. Guxue’s performance at the Overwatch World Cup showed us how powerful he can be, alongside the fusion of two Korean Contenders teams, this makes a lethal combination.
Of all the new teams, expect the Spark to give the best fight against the Gladiators. The matchup of Guxue and the Gladiator’s new main tank Chang-hoon “rOar” Gye will be one to watch. Whoever has the best match that day may decide who wins.
If Atlanta’s academy team is any indication of how Atlanta will play, then the Reign could surprise some people. By this point in the season, if everything goes as planned, the Gladiators will be pushing for the Stage 1 playoffs. This game should not stop them from getting there, barring any surprises. Expect the subs to get some decent game time for the Gladiators in this matchup.
Courtesy of the Los Angeles Gladiators
Hopefully an easy way to end the stage. Many fans and analysts have predicted that the Charge will be one of the worst teams this season. The end of this stage will hopefully bring some highlight reel plays from the Gladiators. The Charge should not put up the toughest fight, allowing some of the bench players to sub in before the Stage Playoffs begin. This match would be great for Ripa to show why he deserves a starting spot.
The Overwatch League returns on Feb. 14. The Gladiators will be looking to push for a playoff spot, but will be facing some tough competition. The London Spitfire, NYXL, Los Angeles Valiant and more will also be hunting for a spot in the Stage One playoffs.
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