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Unexpected Upsets: Overwatch League Play-Offs Winner Round 1 and 2 Recap
Overwatch League (OWL) Play-Offs is in full swing now for 2022. Rounds 1 and 2 have concluded with all teams having played one series apiece. The early frontrunners for the tournament are current favorites Seoul Dynasty and Dallas Fuel, alongside London Spitfire and Houston Outlaws. The four have advanced to the Winners Round 3 for an Upper Bracket Semifinals.
The seedings for Play-Offs is as such:
- Dallas Fuel
- San Francisco Shock
- Los Angeles Gladiators
- Seoul Dynasty
- Shanghai Dragons
- Houston Outlaws
- Atlanta Reign
- London Spitfire
- Philadelphia Fusion
- Florida Mayhem
- Toronto Defiant
- Hangzhou Spark
The top four seeded teams coming into Play-Offs received a bye to Round 2 instantly. Furthermore, the top three receive the opportunity to select their opponents in Round 2.
[ROUND 1]
Philadelphia Fusion vs. London Spitfire (0-3)
A one-sided victory for the Londoners as they cleaned up the Fusion off the pavement. A quick map 1 went the Spitfire’s way. However, maps 2 and 3 were tougher fights, with the Fusion not going down without a fight. Both maps would end 3-2 in favor of London Spitfire.
Hangzhou Spark vs. Shanghai Dragons (3-0)
A surprise upset against the reigning champions Shanghai Dragons by Hangzhou Spark. The Dragons looked lackluster all series with the Spark just coming out as the better team across the board.
Florida Mayhem vs. Atlanta Reign (3-0)
Another upset as Atlanta Reign fall with a whimper against a Florida Mayhem coming in hot off the Countdown Cup. Mayhem would take the series with both DPS stars Seunghoon “Checkmate” Baek and Isaiah “Hydron” Rodriguez in top form.
Toronto Defiant vs. Houston Outlaws (3-0)
Houston Outlaws continued their good form this year with another dominant victory over Toronto Defiant. Despite Toronto’s recent good show of form at the Countdown Cup, they were unable to best the Outlaws.
[WINNER ROUND 2]
Hangzhou Spark vs Dallas Fuel (1-3)
Coming in confident off their upset, Hangzhou Spark would meet the final boss in Dallas Fuel. The Fuel has been topping the rankings this year with an outstanding roster. As one of the strongest favorites to win Play-Offs, they demonstrated as such in a strong first series against the Spark.
Florida Mayhem vs. Seoul Dynasty (0-3)
Seoul Dynasty, another of the favorites to win, would crush Florida Mayhem’s hopes in the Upper Bracket with a devastating 3-0 win. Each map saw Mayhem so close yet so far from seizing a score point from Dynasty, who shut the gates firmly on them.
Houston Outlaws vs. San Francisco Shock (3-2)
Heavy cries of pain as San Francisco Shock falls in ‘shocking’ fashion to the Houston Outlaws. The latter had a strong year with good results and seem in the midst of a dream run in Play-Offs. They could be the dark horse candidate for the tournament.
London Spitfire vs LA Gladiators (3-1)
London Spitfire has seen a strong resurgence in form in the Play-Offs thus far, with James “Backbone” O'Neill on the Reaper earning especial note. The Gladiators have not looked the same since the retirement of their star DPS player Patiphan “Patiphan” Chaiwong.
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Upcoming Play-Offs Matchups:
[Winners Round 3]
Seoul Dynasty vs. Dallas Fuel *
Nov 3rd, 12.30am GMT
London Spitfire vs. Houston Outlaws
Nov 3rd, 02.00am GMT
[Losers Round 2]
Philadelphia Fusion vs. LA Gladiators *
Nov 1st, 09.30pm GMT
Shanghai Dragons vs. San Francisco Shock *
Nov 1st, 11.00pm GMT
Atlanta Reign vs. Florida Mayhem
Nov 2nd, 12.30am GMT
Toronto Defiant vs. Hangzhou Spark
Nov 2nd, 02.00am GMT
*Highlight matches to look out for
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Watching it Live
Catch all the excitement with the OWL Play-Offs, streamed live on YouTube or Twitch.
Image source: Blizzard Entertainment
