The former champion Shanghai Dragons roster for 2023 is here, and with it a calming of worries for the league’s Chinese-based teams.
There's been much ado about what, exactly was going to happen in regards to the Chinese Overwatch League teams in 2023. Blizzard's relations for with its former overseas publisher Netease are as dead as that statue that the former knocked over on a livestream. Fans and OWL observers alike waited with baited breath as to the status of teams such as the Shanghai Dragons roster.
Well, have no fear: The Dragons just announced a killer 2023 roster.
Made up of old names, league standbys, and new faces, it appears that Shanghai is ready to put APAC on notice. Let's take a look.
Who is on the Shanghai Dragons roster?
Announced late Wednesday night, the Shanghai Dragons five-man roster has some real killers. Included in the 2023 roster is the returning Kim "Fleta" Byung-sun at Tank and formerly retired hitscan player Bae "diem" Min-seong.
New to the Shanghai OWL roster will be former Florida Mayhem and RunAway Support standout Kang "Gangnamjin" Nam-jin. In addition, the team also picked up former Toronto Defiant DPS player Jeong "Heesu" Hee-su, as well as a Contenders all star in the form of Lee "Viper" Jung-woong.
The team is a true dream roster for some, including players who made their mark in the early days of OWL and picks that look towards the future. The roster moves come on the heels of a full ejection of players and staff at the end of 2022, causing alarm among the SHD faithful as to what the future held for their team.
It's safe to say that this Shanghai Dragons roster is more than capable of quieting detractors and making yet another run for an OWL league title. Will the rest of APAC and the other Chinese teams be able to keep up? Hopefully all will be revealed soon enough.
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