Los Angeles Valiant signs KSP for 2020 Overwatch League

Overwatch League franchise Los Angeles Valiant has announced the signing of DPS player Kai “KSP” Collins as it enters the 2020 season. The 19-year-old most recently competed for XL2 Academy in Overwatch Contenders’ North American West region and started his career in the esports title in 2017.

Sike! 🙂
Please give a REAL welcome to @yung_ksp, joining us as a new DPS from @XL2! pic.twitter.com/GE8LVlKhEw

— Los Angeles Valiant (@LAValiant) January 15, 2020

Los Angeles Valiant signs KSP

KSP started competing on teams like Delta Esports, KVMKT, Bazooka Puppiez, and Young and Beautiful. He later joined Samsung Morning Stars and XL2 Academy, where he became well known for his Widowmaker gameplay. After XL2 Academy’s departure from the Overwatch Contenders scene, KSP was left as a free agent. In the meantime, he represented Team United Kingdom at the 2019 Overwatch World Cup, where the team placed 9 – 10th after losing all of its games in Group A. 

The Los Angeles Valiant roster heading into the 2020 Overwatch League season consists of Damon “Apply” Conti, Kyle “KSF” Frandanisa, Johannes “Shax” Nielsen, and Kai “ksp” Collins in the DPS role. Off-tank Caleb “McGravy” McGarvey, along with tank players Song “Dreamer” Sang-lok and Rick “GIG” Salazar, is also included. Finally, flex supports Moon “Lastro” Jung-won and Owen “Slur” Warner will be assisted by support player Park “RAin” Jae-ho, who finishes off the lineup. 

New roster for 2020 Overwatch League

The coaching staff includes head coach Mike “Packing10” Szklanny, along with assistant coaches Jordan “Gunba” Graham, Justin “reprize” Hand, and Warsi “Stoop” Faraaz Waris. The Los Angeles Valiant finished the inaugural season of the Overwatch League in 2nd place, with a 3 – 4th placement in the playoffs after a loss to the London Spitfire. 

However, the same performance was not seen in 2019 after placing 13th out of 20 teams. The recent months have seen the addition of many new players, with the only exception of KSF joining in 2018. The revamped roster will be put to the test in their first few matches against the Dallas Fuel and Vancouver Titans on Feb. 8 – 9.