There is still a few months to go before the Overwatch League kicks off their 2020 season in mid-February. The offseason is underway and with the Overwatch World Cup over, teams can turn their focus 100% towards the upcoming season. There are have already been some league altering, team shattering roster moves so far with more still to come. Let’s break down some of the biggest moves that have happened up to this point.
Seoul Is Building A Dynasty
This might possibly be the biggest move this offseason and one with the potential to define the league for at least the next few years. After a disappointing 2019 season, the inaugural season champions - London Spitfire - effectively decimated their entire roster. The Seoul Dynasty were the lucky recipients of the roster overhaul, picking up both Profit and Gesture. Profit is arguably the best Overwatch player on the planet and Gesture should be considered a top-five tank in the league.
Seoul is an appealing option for a lot of the Korean players in the league. Seoul is the sole Korea-based team. Who wouldn’t want to represent their home country? Picking up both Profit and Gesture was a massive win for the Dynasty. If they can pick up a great off-tank (Meko) then they may be the team to beat next season.
Dallas Making Big Moves
The Dallas Fuel have had two lackluster seasons to kick off their Overwatch League journey. This happened despite having strong rosters in both seasons. Knowing they needed to step up heading into 2020, the Fuel made key signings that will impact them tremendously next season. The consistent main tank - Gamsu - will be a key piece for Dallas as he joins former teammate NotE after playing together in Boston during 2018. Gamsu rarely makes mistakes and should be the steady foundation for Dallas.
Dallas also picked up Decay from the Los Angeles Gladiators. The DPS superstar shined in the 2-2-2 role lock and was a key piece for LA last season. His impact on a variety of heroes will greatly benefit Dallas next season, making them a much bigger threat in 2020.
Toronto’s Canadian Legends
The Toronto Defiant added both Agilities and Surefour to their team. The two Canadian DPS stars have a chance to make an immediate impact in Toronto after the Defiant struggled during their 2019 debut season. Agilities had two solid years with Los Angeles Valiant and helped lead them to one of the best records in 2018. Surefour was with the Los Angeles Gladiators and shined as part of a strong DPS duo with Decay during the 2019 season. They bring a veteran leadership to the Defiant as Toronto hopes to turn things around heading into 2020.
Oh, and they also added superstar support, KariV. No big deal.
Gladiators Shift Focus
The Los Angeles Gladiators relied on the DPS duo of Surefour and Decay to carry them in the second half of the 2019 season. They did their job well, but it’s clear Los Angeles has shifted their focus after parting ways with both players. What was once a DPS-centric squad, the Gladiators have one of the strongest tank lines in the league after acquiring OGE from the Fuel and SPACE from the Valiant. The Gladiators found success in 2018 off their stellar main tank - Fissure - and it seems like they are looking to focus on the frontline once again for 2020.
A support duo in Shaz and BigGoose along with a tank duo in OGE and SPACE makes the Gladiators a scary opponent for any team to face. The also added Birdring from the Spitfire to their depleted DPS line. One more strong pickup and Los Angeles will be a legitimate contender in 2020.
