So long Fusion: Overwatch League (OWL) staple Philadelphia Fusion rebrands as Seoul Infernal for 2023 OWL season, shifting operations to South Korean capital

Time for a Change

Overwatch League (OWL) North American staple Philadelphia Fusion has rebranded as Seoul Infernal for the 2023 OWL season. Historically based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the organization has now packed up and relocated operations to Seoul, South Korea. Whilst the roster has already been competing in the Eastern division for some years, the owner, Comcast Spectator, owns Philadelphia-based sports teams and thus based their operations in America.

[twitter url="https://twitter.com/Fusion/status/1608870655574921217"]

The transfer to Korea brings the franchise closer to ‘sister organization’ T1, whom Comcast Spectator also operates in a joint venture with SK Telecom. The reasoning for the move is reportedly based on an evaluation for how ‘[Philadelphia Fusion] can best compete at a consistent, championship level…’

According to the report, the change is a surface rebrand, with the newly named Seoul Infernal retaining all ‘ownership, management, current signed roster, etc.

It’s been a Wild Ride

Since their inaugural run in 2017, the Philadelphia Fusion has managed to string together a plethora of 2nd place finishes from 2018 until 2020. In 2021, they would see a decline in form, placing 5th-8th in both the 2021 May Melee and Countdown Cup. They placed first in the 2021 Play-In, beating future domestic rivals Seoul Dynasty in a Bo5. However, they fatefully fell to eventual semi-finalist San Francisco Shock.

In 2020, their results were even more middling, starting out strong with a 2nd place finish at the Kickoff Clash, a 4th place at the Midseason Madness, and a 3rd place at the Summer Showdown. That said, by the regular season conclusion, the Fusion was in 9th place, ending out of Playoffs in 9th-12th.

Since 2020, the Fusion have made the switch from competing in the West division to the East, competing instead out of South Korea. This was due to the Covid-19 pandemic restricting movements.

Retiring the Brand

The punchline has been, for most legendary players, their departure from a roster could be accompanied with the retirement of their number. However, in the case of Lee “Carpe” Jae-hyeok, who recently retired from competitive Overwatch, the timing of the rebrand coincides with his departure all too well. The franchise player has been a staple of the roster since its conception and spent his entire career on the Fusion. No more “Carpe”, no more Fusion it seems.

South Korea Bound

Seoul Infernal will join Seoul Dynasty as twin representatives for the city, similar to the LA Gladiators and LA Valiant. However, the Valiant transferred their operations to the East in 2021 as well, with a primarily Korean/Chinese core roster currently.

Image credit: Overwatch League