After setting the record for the longest losing streak in esports history, the Shanghai Dragons have taken the first steps to shed that horrible memory away. They can now say they have won a match in the Overwatch League. The Dragons were able to take down the Boston Uprising in a 3-1 series.
History has been made.
The @ShanghaiDragons win their first series 3-1!! #OWL2019 pic.twitter.com/oGBsJ5MZOe
— Overwatch League (@overwatchleague) February 23, 2019
After losing their first two matches of 2019, many people were wondering how long the streak would continue for Shanghai. However, many knew that it couldn’t continue for much longer. This lineup was very different from last year’s disastrous roster. There was a lot more synergy between the players and they had plenty of potential and talent. It was only a matter of time until this team picked up their first win in the history of the organization.
Meanwhile, the Boston Uprising were looking to find some consistency after going 1-1 last weekend. They were still looking a little bit shaky, especially with an overhauled roster. They were also up against their old main tank, Noh “Gamsu” Young-jin, who was definitely heading into this matchup with a chip on his shoulder. In an interview with Blizzard, he said, “When I first heard I was traded, I was blindsided by the news. But, after I had time to process, I decided to focus on the present and give my best to Shanghai.”
Shanghai Dragons dominate Boston Uprising
It was a strong showing for the Shanghai Dragons that would earn them their first victory. After a convincing win on Ilios, the Dragons would use that momentum to take King’s Row and Horizon Lunar Colony. The stats were pretty onesided for the Shanghai Dragons, as they led the game with 189 final blows to Boston’s 89. Also, the team would dominate with 234K hero damage compared to Boston’s 173K. Healing was pretty close between both teams, but Boston would lead in this category with 117K healing to Shanghai’s 107K.
IT HAPPENED!!! #OWL2019
THE @ShanghaiDragons SECURE THEIR FIRST WIN!https://t.co/U6dIipgQGs pic.twitter.com/Nfux0Zvl7H
— Overwatch League (@overwatchleague) February 23, 2019
Meanwhile, the Boston Uprising were playing some unusual compositions. For one, they didn’t play Cameron “Fusions” Bosworth, who has been one of their better tanks this Overwatch League season. Secondly, they did not play any counters to Yang “DDing” Jin-kyeok’s Sombra. It rocked them all throughout the match, but Boston didn’t seem to have an answer for it. As a result, he rained pain on them on each map they played it.
Final Thoughts
For Shanghai, this win represents a huge monkey that is now off their backs. If this new roster could not win a match, many people would have probably put it up to the Dragons’ curse. However, it is a new day and a new beginning for this proud team. Does this mark the start of a winning streak for this budding new roster? Possibly. They still have a lot of room to grow and learn together, and if they wish to become one of the best teams in the Overwatch League, growing pains will be necessary.
Work to do.
Congrats & well played @ShanghaiDragons. pic.twitter.com/5jVd7ldoKc
— Boston Uprising (@BostonUprising) February 23, 2019
On the other hand, Boston will now have to deal with the title of “First to give Shanghai Dragons a win”. It is a title that they will probably carry for the rest of the year. Even still, they cannot dwell on the past. There is still a long season to get through, and if they want to make an impact early, they’ll need to learn from this experience and improve.
What are your thoughts on the Shanghai Dragons’ first win in the Overwatch League? Let us know what you think in the comments below! If you want more Overwatch League coverage, check us out here!
Published: Feb 23, 2019 01:14 am