On Oct. 25, the Los Angeles Gladiators announced their first signings for Overwatch League Season 2. Those signings were Gui-un “Decay” Jang and Chang-hoon “rOar” Gye. Both are former players of KongDoo Panthera, a team in Korean Contenders. With the arrival of these two new players, what will their effect be on the LA Gladiators for Season 2?
Courtesy of the Overwatch League
Having both played on KongDoo Panthera together, along with current LA Gladiators off-tank Jun-woo “Void” Kang, the chemistry between them will be very important. The support duo of Benjamin “BigGoose” Isohanni and Jonas “Shaz” Suovaara have been playing together since August of 2017, when Shaz joined the European Contenders squad of Team Gigantti. They also play together for the Finnish National Team.
The synergy that the support players have is extraordinary. When asked about their synergy recently in an interview, BigGoose said “I think we just do things the same way, which is really nice. We always know what the other is thinking”. This synergy, alongside BigGoose’s communication skills, have helped the LA Gladiators become a team that plays well together, and have great team chemistry. Both Decay and rOar will have to adapt to not only a new team, but the chemistry of an already well established team.
Courtesy of Overwatch Score
The main problem that has been plaguing the Gladiators is their main-tank. In the beginning stages of Season 1, Luis “iRemiix” Galarza Figueroa was their only main-tank. In February of 2018, the Gladiators picked up Chan-hyung “Fissure” Baek from the London Spitfire. After the debacle of Fissure not playing in the Season Playoffs, he was released, and signed with the Seoul Dynasty.
After the playoffs, iRemiix was one of three players released by the Gladiators. This left a large hole to fill in the main-tank spot. Fissure is regarded as one of the best main-tanks in the Overwatch League. rOar has rather large shoes to fill. The Gladiators are hoping that rOar, alongside his former teammate in Void, will be able to become a top tank duo. He was brought in after a solid run with KongDoo Panthera, which included a second place finish in this season of Contenders.
Decay is still 17, and turns 18 on Feb. 27th, two weeks after the season starts. Decay brings a fresh sense of youth to the team. João Pedro “Hydration” Goes Telles and Lane “Surefour” Roberts are the team’s DPS players from Season 1. Decay is being brought in as a backup, in case of an emergency such as injury. He plays Tracer and, more important to this current meta, Genji. He has also shown his ability to flex, playing Zarya.
The young player will hopefully be able to put some pressure on Hydration and Surefour, making sure they play at the peak of their abilities. Decay is there to fight for a spot week after week. His Genji is very strong, and if Tracer ever reenters the meta, he could be vital for the team. If he performs well, it will provide the Gladiators an edge, as well as help push Hydration and Surefour to play at their strongest.
Follow me on Twitter @awheatondude I would love to hear your thoughts.
Featured Image Courtesy of USA Today
Follow The Game Haus for more sports and esports coverage.
Twitter: TGH Esports
Facebook: The Game Haus
“From our Haus to Yours”
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.
