London Spitfire Clutches Stage 1

In a stunning conclusion to stage 1 of the Overwatch League, the London Spitfire made a miraculous comeback to show why they deserved #1.

Playoffs punctuate the end of each stage of the Overwatch League, ending with season finals in the summer. The top 3 teams at the end of each stage are granted spots in that stages playoffs. A bracket is set up with the number 1 seed in the finals, and seeds 2 & 3 battling for their chance to takedown that stages strongest team.

The Spitfire began the playoffs with a match against the well-performing Houston Outlaws. Displaying high hopes for a victory, and the desire to take down the top team, the New York Excelsior, the Spitfire came alive. They defeated Houston 3-1, allowing them to move on for a shot to be crowned stage 1 champs.

London and New York anxiously jumped into their match, New York feeling confident having recently won against London, and London eager to redeem themselves.

New York started off strong in the first game, boasting plays like the Quad-kill from Do-Hyeon “Pine” Kim’s ruthless Widowmaker. The game stayed interesting though, London showing their talent as well through aggressive plays helmed by Joon-Yeong “Profit” Park. But with fortune and skill on their side, New York took the first game at Junkertown, putting them in the lead 1-0.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYOwOtMCzNs&feature=youtu.be&t=32s

The second game brought the two teams to Oasis, in a king of the hill style match. Both teams had moments of brilliance, which culminated in overtime. Thanks to heavy pressure put on by New York’s very own Tracer-wielding Jong-Yeol “Saebyeolbe” Park, they were able to secure another game win to solidify their lead 2-0.

Something in London’s gameplay changed once game three kicked off. Closer-knit teamplay showed a more structured and communicative strategy. Consistent play from the previously mentioned “Profit”, and non-stop support from fellow DPS player Kim “Birdring” Ji-hyuk really showed as London finally made their way onto the board, now minimizing their deficit, 1-2.

The previous win on Horizon Lunar Colony pushed London to keep up the well executed and high-intensity play as the map shift now brought them to Numbani. While New York was keeping pace with London, they just weren’t able to create game winning plays the way London was. “Birdring” flexed with Widowmaker, picking off essential New York players, and keeping London afloat at a now 2-2 score.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYOwOtMCzNs&feature=youtu.be&t=9m36s

The tension in the room could be felt in every corner as game 5 began on Dorado. London and New York continued to show why they were the two teams who belonged there. The results of this grueling day were to be decided by this final match.

Excellent play making skills emanated from the competitors but London was able to keep the upper-hand. Strategic kills on support from “Profit” provided a good environment for London to plow through New York’s tanks and DPS. Hitting overtime again, this time London won the game now ending the match in a victory with a 3-2 score.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYOwOtMCzNs&feature=youtu.be&t=10m36s

Each team showed tremendous capability and potential, but this time London was able to emerge victorious and walk away with a quickly-pocketed $100,000.

Congratulations to the London Spitfire for their incredible comeback and stage 1 play. We are excited to see what stage 2 (starting Feb. 21) will show us.

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Written by Garrett Fulwider