In a world where GOATs reigns supreme, so many people are begging for the release of damage characters, and the players that excel with them. It’s very rare to see a damage character on the stage at Blizzard Arena right now. Despite the fact that some teams choose to play what they want, GOATs is still settled comfortably as the top played composition right now. With recent PTR changes shifting some characters (a D.va nerf and a McCree buff, notably), Stage 3 could be headed in a DPS heavy zone.
If that were allowed to happen, which OWL teams could benefit from a DPS meta? We saw the rise of such teams last season, when Dive ran supreme for so long. While there are certainly teams that get the job done when it comes to GOATs, there are others that could highly benefit from a shift in the winds and the release of damage heroes from GOATs jail.
A team that always surprises, the Philadelphia Fusion have some of the best DPS players in the game. The combination of teamwork that comes from DPS duo Jae-hyeok “Carpe” Lee and Josh “Eqo” Corona is perfectly synchronized. Eqo’s Genji play was some of the best to be seen on the stage last year, and his flawless execution of the character is what helped the Fusion make it all the way to the Grand Finals.
Overwatch League 2019 Season2019-04-18 / Photo: Ben Pursell For Blizzard Entertainment
Additionally, despite the lack of showing at the All Stars Weekend, Carpe plays Widowmaker exceptionally well. He’s quick to flick, to click heads before anyone even knows where he is. His game sense and zoning is tactful and meaningful. Together, these two make an unstoppable pair. If they’re allowed to play the heroes they thrive on, the Fusion could definitely stabilize.
Fans have already gotten a sneak peak of what Paris is capable of when DPS is on the table. George “ShaDowBurn” Gushcha is a force to be reckoned with, as many will remember from his time with the Fusion last year. So far, ShaDowBurn has gotten to flex onto his signature Pharah and Genji only a handful of times. However, those times resulted in amazing wins for the Eternal, proving that ShaDowBurn can put his money where his mouth is.
2019-03-17 / Photo: Stewart Volland For Blizzard Entertainment
Teammate Karol “Danye” Szcześniak hasn’t gotten that chance yet. When it arrives, however, the Eternal can and will greatly benefit. Danye has star power within him, and his Pharah play speaks for itself. If the meta shifts in the slightest, the Eternal could certainly find more success than they have with GOATs.
The Outlaws are a team that find themselves stuck in a rut. After a fair performance last year, this fan favorite team of cowboys now find themselves sitting at a winless stage. The few times the Outlaws have shown signs of life come at the hands of Jiri “LiNkzr” Masalin. His flex onto Solider: 76 against the Vancouver Titans won them a map, denting the Titan’s map win streak.
2018-06-06 / Photo: Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment
LiNkzr has shown again and again just how viable he can be on damage picks, known especially for his Widowmaker play from last year. Additionally, new blood Dante “Danteh” Cruz has already shown his stuff. A Sombra superstar, Danteh has been key in the victories that the Outlaws have earned so far. If these two were able to play their hero pool on a regular basis, Houston could find some footing in the maze they’ve lost themselves in.
Listen. New York still reigns supreme in the League, despite the meta shift to GOATs. Ranked in the top 5 on a constant basis, it seems silly to place them in a lineup of teams that need a boost. However, NYXL has some of the best DPS players in the world. With stars Jong-ryeol “Saebyeolbe” Park and Do-hyeon “Pine” Kim benched, this team relies on tank power to burst through.
(Photo courtesy of Overwatch League)
Still, their multiple losses at the hands of the Atlanta Reign have shown some weakness from this powerhouse. Shifting back into a meta that enables these damage players to shine could solidify what fans already know about NYXL. With that McCree buff also in place, it’s safe to say that Pine could be popping off sooner than we think.
Photo Courtesy of the Washington Justice on Twitter
This team is slowly but surely getting the pieces together. With new players, new synergy and energy to go all the way, the Justice are finding their way. Unfortunately, their GOATs play isn’t always what it could be. A damage heavy meta could be just what this team needs, especially with Corey “Corey” Nigra at the helm. Fans got to see a taste of his Widowmaker play in their last game against the Boston Uprising, and allowing Corey to flex more could be beneficial.
Additionally, Gihyeon “Ado” Chon is more than capable of showing up, as seen with his time on the Shanghai Dragons. Ado’s Tracer play combined with Ethan “Stratus” Yankel on Genji could propel the team forward as they find more ground to tackle.
The Spark are another team that fares well in the GOATs meta. Their tank and support players are some of the best in the League. However, something fans have only recently gotten to see is their exceptional DPS play as well. Among trade rumors, the Spark have recently fielded Cai “Krystal” Shilong in their games.
Courtesy of Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment.
Flexing onto Bastion, Krystal has shown his sheer strength, working together with his team to send the Spark to the Stage 2 playoffs. Additionally, the Spark have a hidden gem in benched player Jun-Ki “Bazzi” Park. A sniper on the rise, this Widowmaker player could truly shine in a DPS meta. Allowing this team to bring some powerful players up to the main roster could send the Spark even higher than they already are.
Guangzhou is a team that fluctuates with success. A rough Stage 2 has put them at the bottom of most people’s power rankings, dismantling what they showed in the first stage. However, the Charge are not down for the count just yet. With some truly amazing DPS players, this team could find a lot of success in a DPS meta.
Photo Courtesy of the Guangzhou Charge on Twitter
Jung-woo “Happy” Lee is a mad man on McCree, a character that could be seeing increased play time with how wild his new buff is. Additionally, veteran Hong-joon “HOTBA” Choi has shown up massively when they need it. His Pharah play in particular has earned the Charge some much needed wins, and has shown that this is a team that can get results when they have the power to do so. A DPS meta could be extremely beneficial for Guangzhou, and hopefully, Stage 3 brings them more opportunities to shine.
Once the reigning Stage 4 Champions, the Los Angeles Valiant have stumbled on some hard times. Their first stage was winless and their second stage saw some of the old team coming back to life. Safe to say, GOATs isn’t this teams’ strong suit. However, with some heavy handed damage players lying in wait, the Valiant could find much success in the DPS meta.
Courtesy of Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment
Brady “Agilities” Giardi is known for his Genji play, earning the Valiant many wins in the first season. Benched player Joon-hyuk “Bunny” Chae was acquired last year from the Seoul Dynasty, and has top tier Tracer play that he’s unleashed more than once. Lastly, Kyle “KSF” Frandanisa is a star on Zarya, but can also flex onto roles like Widowmaker when given the chance. These three, combined with a solid tank and support line, could break the mold. With new players coming in from Mayhem Academy as well, it’s possible that Stage 3 will see the resurgence of the Valiant.
Featured Image Courtesy of Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment.
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