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Stage 4 in the Overwatch League saw a special match to start off the competition.
Gladiators versus Valiant made for a close match-up with the green and gold Los Angeles Valiant taking out the victory. To many Australian Overwatch fans, this was what they were hoping for as it is the only team in the league to sport an Australian in its line up as well as one in its coaching staff.
Dallas Fuel then took on the favourites New York Excelsior and fell short which didn’t really surprise anyone. They put up a good fight with some close matches but with the consistent domination that NYXL are known for in the league, I don’t think anyone thought Fuel had a shot of winning it, despite recently really getting out some solid performances.
This saw Excelsior and Valiant up against each other in the finals and at first, I thought this was looking to be an easy match-up for the seemingly unbeatable blue team. This is perhaps because I forgot what happened last time these teams fought. Valiant took the match with a 3–2 victory back then and this time they improved upon themselves by knocking it down to a 3–1.
This victory helps put the Excelsior back in their place after winning the previous two finals and placing second in the first stage. It also ensures that the two teams will likely meet again in the League playoffs which will commence on July 11.
(Photo: Robert Paul / Blizzard Entertainment)
Joining NYXL and the LA Valiant in the playoff for the first ever Overwatch League season are the Boston Uprising, LA GLadiators, London Spitfire, and Philadelphia Fusion and it’s hard to know what to expect for this new stage in the league.
NYXL lead the way in map differential by such a huge margin that it barely feels fair that others are even allowed to make the cut. This team has been consistently strong that they hold a +83 record when it comes to victory, which is more than double the Valiant’s +36 as closest runners-up. However, history has just taught us that these numbers aren’t everything and it is more than possible to beat this team, regardless of how far in front they appear.
The other piece of potential confusion comes in from the London Spitfire. These guys were real contestants up until this final stage where it almost seemed like they couldn’t get a win compared to their previous performances. Whether they’re tired or just couldn’t handle this new Brigitte-based method, it will be interesting to see if the Spitfire can bring it back to actually compete in the playoffs.
The types of matches will also be significantly more intense with teams playing multiple sessions against each other in the first few rounds to determine who will make it to the finals. This could swing things back into London’s favour with their larger team roster being able to handle the fatigue and will certainly become a test of endurance for some of the other teams.
It’s possible you’ll see a peak of play during the middle of these sessions where players are riding the line between warmed up and worn out before some decline in the matches. It will also divide not only teams but players into those who thrive in these longer form style games. Maybe even casters too – there’s only so many ways to call a game made up of mostly the same people.
The Houston Outlaws greet their fans as they come on stage. (Photo: Robert Paul / Blizzard Entertainment)
Either way, every team will bring their all for the chance at $1 million USD in prize money for first place when the grand finals take place on July 27 and 28. Second gets nearly half that with $600,000 USD so while there’s no shame in second place there’s still certainly incentive to strive for the number one spot.
These finals will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York as opposed to the usual Blizzard Arena in Los Angeles, which is a shame considering both of the city’s home teams could be in the major playoff.
Perhaps the lack of a home team crowd will see a drop in performance from the Valiant or Gladiators, maybe the meta will swing to favour the Spitfire or the Fusion, or maybe Excelsior have truly earned their impressive differential throughout the season. With a game as unpredictable as the Overwatch League has proven to be, you’ll just have to watch it and find out.