Overwatch League: Mano joins Philadelphia Fusion

The Philadelphia Fusion signs former New York Excelsior player Dong-gyu “Mano” Kim.

A new chapter is beginning for Dong-gyu “Mano” Kim. After three years of fighting for the NYXL, the main tank player is now joining the Philadelphia Fusion.

A great rival in seasons past, it's time to see how he does playing with us instead of against us…

Give a warm welcome to @Mano_OWL, joining Fusion for the 2021 Season!

*Pending League Approval pic.twitter.com/IcW4D1o8be

— Seoul Infernal (@Infernal) November 3, 2020

Mano is one of the most iconic NYXL player. He joined the team when it was created, back in 2017. With New York, he regularly hit the podiums of the Overwatch League competitions, even winning the regular Inaugural Season. NYXL lost to Philadelphia Fusion during the Playoffs – and Mano is now joining this team.

Dong-gyu "Mano" Kim in the chair during his time with NYXL

During his time with NYXL, Mano didn’t win any title, always ending up in the 3rd position. With the Philadelphia Fusion, the player is joining the team who always finishes in the 2nd position in the Overwatch League. The team is vice-champion of the Overwatch League Inaugural Season, as well as the 2020 regular season.

Getting ready to take the crown

The Philadelphia Fusion seems tired of this eternal second place, and ready to take the crown of the Overwatch League 2021 season. They released flex support Isaac “Boombox” Charles and Doomfist one-trick Philip “ChipSa” Graham.

Mano is the Philadelphia Fusion’s first signing of the season, and he joins a stacked roster. The team already has three other tank players: Jun-ho “Fury” Kim, Su-min “SADO” Kim and Gael “Poko” Gouzerch. Fury and Poko are both off-tank players, so the Philadelphia Fusion now has two main tanks and two off-tanks players, for optimal rotations.

Gael "Poko" Gouzerch watches the screen during a game of Overwatch League

The team is still lacking a support player or two. Daniel “FunnyAstro” Hathaway and Kyung-bo “Alarm” Kim are respectively the main and flex supports of the Philadelphia Fusion. The team could use an additional player to allow the two to rest sometimes.

On the DPS side, the Philadelphia Fusion has a solid roster. Team captain Jae-hyeok “Carpe” Lee and Hee-su “Heesu” Jeong are hitscan specialists, while Seung-hyun “Ivy” Lee and Josue “Eqo” Corona specialize in flex DPS heroes.

Feature Image: Blizzard Entertainment/Robert Paul