The Philadelphia Fusion have made a lot of changes this offseason. Along with player drops and additions, the Fusion have also changed up their staff. For months, fans wondered what Yann “Kirby” Luu’s new role would be after dropping the announcement that assistant coaches Elliot Hayes, also known as “Hayez,” and Se-Hwi “NamedHwi” Go would be the Fusion’s co-coaches going into season two. Kirby actually revealed what his new role would be during Christopher “Monte” Mykles and Susie Kim’s wedding on stream, but no formal announcement had been made at that point in time. Yesterday, fans of the Philadelphia Fusion got an official announcement, but it is still unclear as to what the position entails.
Despite the uncertainty of the new role, there is no doubt that Kirby had a humongous impact on the Philadelphia Fusion. Against all expectations, Kirby led the Philadelphia Fusion to Grand Finals last season. The ragtag group of underdogs surprised many by defeating the number one seed, the New York Excelsior during stage playoffs. Both of the Philadelphia Fusion and London Spitfire were not top picks going into Grand Finals considering their inconsistencies throughout the first three stages.
Photo courtesy of VGR
The Philadelphia Fusion had a rocky start in stage one, but with the addition of Josue, or Josh “EQO” Corona, the team started to make a comeback. However, even with EQO and his stronger communication skills, the Philadelphia Fusion still had their problems. A major problem was the Fusion relying too much on their star DPS player, Jae-hyeok “Carpe” Lee. Carpe is without a doubt one of the best DPS players overall in the Overwatch League. However, when relying too much on a single player, the team can easily fall apart. That dependency on Carpe was Philadelphia’s Achille’s heel last season. It is something that fans hope won’t follow them going into season two.
Even with the Fusion’s inconsistencies, it was proven that the Fusion were capable of greatness last season. This greatness can be contributed to Kirby, but it is a testament towards the Fusion staff as a whole. Both the Philadelphia Fusion and their academy team, Fusion University, have proven just how formidable an organization they are. Fusion University recently won NA Contenders for the third time in a row this past weekend. Undefeated, fans of the Contenders team saw support players Elijah Hudson “Elk” Gallagher and Kim “Alarm” Kyung-bo go 24-0. The Fusion is creating a legacy like no other. They can only continue on this trajectory with the incredible staff behind these talented players across both teams. With Kirby now taking a back seat to the action, former assistant coaches are now rising to the occasion to lead the Fusion to victory.
Both Hayez and Hwi have seen their fair share of successes in the Overwatch league. Before joining the Philadelphia Fusion, Hayes worked with EUnited and REUNITED during the early seasons of EU Contenders. Hayes was also the head coach for Team UK during the 2018 World Cup. Under Hayes leadership, Team UK shocked fans everywhere as they took down Team USA during the quarter-finals. He is going to be the Western head coach, while Hwi shall be the Korean head coach. Hwi is most well known for his time coaching on BK Stars, FaZe Clan, and Laser Kittenz. With the most extensive international roster in the league, it is a smart move on the Fusion’s part to bring in two coaches who can work together to battle possible language barriers.
Kirby stepping down might worry some fans, but both Hayes and Hwi worked closely with Kirby last season. They all worked hard to provide a healthy team environment for their players. The trio was the backbone of the Philadelphia Fusion. Even with the various bumps along the way, fans cannot deny how much the Fusion improved throughout season one under their guidance.
Graphics courtesy of the Philadelphia Fusion
With season two starting in a little less than a month, Hayes and Hwi are preparing the Fusion for the rematch fans have been waiting for. The Philadelphia Fusion is going up against the London Spitfire in the first match of the season. The Fusion were so close to victory last season, they could taste it. They’re coming back into the Overwatch League with a point to prove. Under Hayes and Hwi’s guidance, the first major rematch is sure to be one for the history books.
Watch out for the Philadelphia Fusion when Overwatch League season two returns on February 14, 2019!
You can “Like” The Game Haus on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles written by other TGH writers along with Kate (@Sybil_OW).
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
