OWL Freshman Main Tanks that will Outplay Their Sophomore Counterparts in OWL 2019

As we try to evaluate which players and teams will do best in the 2019 season, we have to consider the backgrounds of each player. Is previous Overwatch League experience the best indicator of value? Or, is performing in World Cup and Contenders settings equally valuable? As we see teams form their identities and acquire players/coaches, they are communicating which one of these things they value more.

Here, I want to make the case that this Path to Pro talent can, if properly scouted, outperform players who thrived in the OWL in the previous season. While I think this is true at nearly every position, I want to look first at three main tank players who are entering the league. Each of these players, with their very different backgrounds, have the potential to make a huge splash in their OWL debuts.

Xu “Guxue” Qiulin: Hangzhou Spark

Photo: Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment

Guxue caught the attention of the entire world in his remarkable performance at the 2018 Bangkok Qualifier, leading China to a 5-0 sweep of their group. He managed to continue this high level of play as Team China made a Silver Medal run at Blizzcon, losing to South Korea in the finals. Playing for Team China and their relatively unorthodox style of play, Guxue was the centerpiece of it all. Every charge, every push, everything seemed to run through the leadership of Guxue.

While this was Guxue’s first time playing for Team China in the World Cup, the Chinese main tank has had a solid career with LCD Gaming, a Chinese Contenders team. With the addition of three new Chinese teams in the offseason, this is a Contenders region that has received a lot more interest as of late. I anticipate that as Guxue shows the world what he is capable for the Spark in OWL 2019, there will be more scouting done in China.

Guxue brings the ability to play an unorthodox style of main tank play, similar to Chan-hyung “Fissure” Baek, that has the ability to catch enemy teams off guard. This, paired with clear shot calling and mechanical capabilities make him a handful for teams to prepare for this season. Expect Guxue, while an OWL Freshman, to be considered a top-tier main tank by the end of OWL 2019.

Sang-beom “Bumper” Park: Vancouver Titans

If you aren’t familiar with Korean Contenders than this name may miss you. Formerly with Korean Contenders powerhouse, Runaway, Bumper is an integral part of this team’s move to the Vancouver OWL team. Bumper helped lead Runaway to a victory in arguably the greatest match of OW ever played as they defeated KongDoo Panthera in the finals of 2018 Korean Contenders Season 2.

Team KongDoo Panthera vs RunAway (Part 1) | OWC 2018 Season 2: Korea [Grand Finals]

Bumper is not new to this level of success, however. In his career with Runaway, he has never finished outside the top 4 in any tournament or major season. Against some of the best players in the world, Bumper and Runaway always seem to be on top. So, why would the Overwatch League be any different?

There is no doubt that the level of competition will increase and there will be some challenges for Vancouver as they adapt to playing in Los Angeles against players from different backgrounds. But, with their past success and the reliability of players like Bumper, this is a Freshman team and a Freshman main tank that will absolutely outplay teams with former OWL talent during this coming season.

Cameron “Fusions” Bosworth: Boston Uprising & Uprising Academy (two-way player)

Photo: Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment

Last, is an OWL Freshman main tank that I am going to take a chance on. Fusions is a two-way player for the Boston Uprising & Uprising Academy that has the potential to be a top main tank in the OWL. After an up-and-down career in European Contenders, Fusions was given an opportunity to step in at Blizzcon for Team UK in place of Christopher “ChrisTFer” Graham. He did not waste the opportunity.

The man went off. Considered alongside Guxue for MVP, Fusions took his opportunity at Blizzcon and turned it into a shot at the OWL, being signed by Boston shortly after. While things have not gone his way in Season 3 of NA Contenders, we may see the Fusions we saw at Blizzcon by the time OWL 2019 rolls around.

While Boston currently has Young-jin “Gamsu” Noh at the main tank position, Fusions still has a shot to shine for this team. This is as unpredictable of an organization as you will find, and they may not be done making moves just yet. If we consider how Boston has lost six players since the conclusion of last season and when we consider the manner in which they have left, why do we expect this to be the end? Players like Gamsu have been with this team since the beginning and have endured many of his good friends moving on. If we consider all of that, it is not out of the question for Boston to lose Gamsu before the end of OWL 2019.

While this may be a long shot, we could say the same thing about Fusions and his situation coming in for ChrisTFer at Blizzcon, can’t we? Crazy things can happen in this league, and crazy things can certainly happen in Boston. In the midst of all of it, keep an eye on Fusions. Whether he himself is traded, or he is given an opportunity in Boston, he has the ability to be one of the best in the league.

Whether we are looking at former OWL performance or experience elsewhere, it is clear that these teams value players who are able to communicate effectively and are used to being a part of a team. Players without these qualities may prove to be effective but can come at a much greater risk to the overall health and well-being of the organization. Which, at the end of the day, is of the utmost importance for the success of a team.

To see how these players and their Sophomore counterparts will fare, be sure to catch the season opener on February 14th on Twitch. To keep up with all the action as we anticipate the coming season, be sure to keep up with us here, at The Game Haus.

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