Something that is not common after the end of any season is for a champion team to make different changes in their lineups that took them to the top.
That is precisely what is happening with Dallas Fuel, the current champion of the Overwatch League, which will have a somewhat different look for the sixth season of this league to begin in 2023. But not everything is new with the team, as fans should be sure to be happy to see some familiar faces.
Official announcement
The year 2023 started with several important news. One of them was, without a doubt, the official announcement of the Dallas Fuel squad for the 2023 Overwatch League season.
The organization made the announcement public through several publications on social networks.
the moment we've all been waiting for (literally) 👀
we're thrilled to welcome back the 2021 coty and 2022 championship coach, @rush_coach, for his 3rd year at fuel! 🎉#InRushWeTrust pic.twitter.com/hGXiXaStit
— Dallas Fuel (@DallasFuel) January 1, 2023
Familiar faces
In total, there are three players and an experienced coach who knows what it’s like to win and who will guide the rest of the emerging talent, all of whom have a standard connection to a famous Overwatch Contenders team.
Kim “SP9RK1E” Yeong-han and Kim “Edison” Tae-hoon return to Dallas for this 2023 season, aiming to repeat or surpass their stellar performances during the regular season and playoffs in 2022.
but did you ever doubt him?
the dps god, the mad lad on reaper and everything else, the pillar of fuel pride, and a force to reckon with.
we're thrilled to welcome back @edison_ow for the 2023 season! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/7q8NZt1Nvy
— Dallas Fuel (@DallasFuel) January 1, 2023
Edison had a spectacular closing of 2022, where he was able to face in Sojourna some of the best players in the league, demonstrating a spectacular level.
he lights up the room with one smile.
the s4 dennis hawelka trophy winner, 2x rolestars winner, 2021 mvp candidate, and dancing king.
we're thrilled to welcome back @sp9rk1e_ow for the 2023 season! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/03Go4T5yER
— Dallas Fuel (@DallasFuel) January 1, 2023
SP9RK1E has one of the most flexible heroes rosters in the entire Overwatch competitive scene. This fits the OWL champion organization like a glove.
we all know him and love him.
2021 and 2022 mvp candidate, 2x role and allstars winner, he's one of the best tanks to ever grace the game — it's always hanwinnable with this one.
we're thrilled to welcome back @hanbin_ow for the 2023 season! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/jmNV9G0OlM
— Dallas Fuel (@DallasFuel) January 1, 2023
Tank Choi “Hanbin” Han-been also returns to Dallas Fuel for the 2023 season. In 2022, Hanbin shared the stage with Lee “Fearless” Eui-Seok proving to be a phenomenal duo. But he may have the spotlight all to himself this year.
Dallas kept the base of the champion team
The Fuels retained the foundation of the franchise’s success in 2022. Yun “RUSH” Hee-won returning to be the team’s Head Coach for a third consecutive year.
the moment we've all been waiting for (literally) 👀
we're thrilled to welcome back the 2021 coty and 2022 championship coach, @rush_coach, for his 3rd year at fuel! 🎉#InRushWeTrust pic.twitter.com/hGXiXaStit
— Dallas Fuel (@DallasFuel) January 1, 2023
RUSH has dealt with all types of players during his coaching career, many of them with unmatched quality. So, this new Dallas Fuels lineup won’t be a challenge for RUSH.
It’s also no surprise that the team announced Lee “MCD” Jeong-ho for the 2023 OWL lineup. The former Boston Uprising Support played a long time at Element Mystic. Finally, he will be joined by Kim “Bliss” So-Myung, the star rookie who has played in recent seasons for O2 Blast and Gen. G.
time for another reunion.
what's a better belated birthday *and* holiday gift than to be reunited with your former element mystic teammates?
on the outstanding flex support role, we're thrilled to welcome @mcd_ow for the 2023 season! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/3hV42yl6Ww
— Dallas Fuel (@DallasFuel) January 1, 2023
The surprise comes after winning OWL 2022
After Dallas won the 2022 OWL championship, many fans expected the iconic lineup to stay together for 2023.
Shortly after the win, the organization announced that the players were entering unrestricted free agency to negotiate with any team in the league.
Following this announcement, Lee “Fearless” Euiseok, the main tank of the champion team, decided to leave for Houston Outlaws. On the other hand, the Supports Kwon “Fielder” Joon and Han “ChiYo” Hyeon-Seok signed with Atlanta Reign.
Finally, Kim “Doha” Dong-ha and Kang “guriyo” Min-SEO remain in free agency. This is because they practically did not play during the entire of 2022.
Header: Dallas Fuel | Twitter
