Overwatch: LA Gladiators’ New Years Resolutions

With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, people all around the globe will be making resolutions for 2019. Whether it be eating healthy, going to the gym or learning an instrument, the New Year marks a time where people want to accomplish something. Here is a look at some of the resolutions that the Los Angeles Gladiators might have for the upcoming season of the Overwatch League.

Communication

Courtesy of Twin Galaxies

The LA Gladiators have continued the tradition of trying to create a Korean and Western lineup. The Gladiators team boasts six Korean players, three Finnish players, one Canadian and one American player. The team played and communicated in English last year. However, with the majority of the team being Korean, will the team decide to switch to Korean?

Having one dedicated language will help unite the team in a way that will keep everyone on the same page. For example, one reason that fans speculate that Chan-hyung “Fissure” Baek left the team was that he wanted to go back to an all-Korean roster. This would be easier for him, as he would be speaking in his native tongue. If the Gladiators want to start the season off to on the right foot, they need to pick a language and stick with it.

Find a Lineup

The Gladiators brought in four new players in the offseason. At tank, they brought in Chang-hoon “rOar” Gye from KongDoo Panthera and gave Byung-ho “Panker” Lee a two-way contract. They also brought in Gui-un “Decay” Jang from KongDoo at DPS and Riku “Ripa” Toivanen from Team Gigantti. This brings their current lineup to ten players. With all the new additions, who will the Gladiators line up with at the beginning of their season?

The support duo of Benjamin “BigGoose” Isohanni and Jonas “Shaz” Suovaara seems to be unshakable, and should have a spot in the starting lineup. The tank duo is up in the air, with rOar seeming to have the edge at the main tank slot. The off tank position can be filled by either Hyung-seok “Bischu” Kim or Jun-woo “Void” Kang. Void previously played on KongDoo with rOar, but Bischu was a mainstay in the Gladiators lineup for most of Season 1. There are many possibilities for the DPS duo, which you can read about here.

Ripa

Courtesy of the Los Angeles Gladiators

The Overwatch League has already dished out their first punishments for the upcoming season. Of those who are being disciplined, the most severe punishment was given to Ripa. According to the League, Ripa is guilty of “throwing matches and toxicity” and will be banned for five games. While five games may not seem like a lot, that is around 18% of the season. Each team plays 28 games, and having Ripa out for the first five of those could prove challenging. He is the only backup support player for the LA Gladiators.

Ripa has commented on his punishment, and responded. “In the past games I’ve played, I’ve behaved in ways that don’t meet my own standards. I’d like to say sorry for my poor behavior,” he writes. “Now that I’m a professional player, I understand that there are important responsibilities to my teammates and the community.” Ripa will be looking to start fresh when his suspension is finished, and will be an integral part of the Gladiators team.

The Overwatch League returns Thursday, Feb. 14. The Los Angeles Gladiators have their first game on that first day, against the Seoul Dynasty. Fans can look forward to a harsh matchup, as former Gladiator Fissure joined the Dynasty when the season concluded.

Need More?

Follow me on Twitter @lilkhobs I would love to hear your thoughts. 

Featured Image Courtesy of the Los Angeles Gladiators

Follow The Game Haus for more sports and esports coverage.

Twitter: TGH Esports
Facebook: The Game Haus

“From our Haus to Yours”