Retired Overwatch professional Hong “Gesture” Jae-hee has returned to the Overwatch League, joining the New York Excelsior coaching staff.
Gesture had been a fixture of the Overwatch League since its inception, joining the London Spitfire in 2017. However, he chose to hang up his controller following the 2021 season. Now, he returns in a new role.
Gesture joins NYXL
The South Korean player was well-known and loved by Overwatch fans, bringing energy and excitement to the tank role. Best known for heroes such as Winston and Orisa, he was a force to be reckoned with. He also formed half of one of the league’s most enduring partnerships. Flex DPS Park “Profit” Joon-yeong had been with Gesture every step of the way, starting with GC Busan before entering the OWL in London. Later, the pair were transferred to the Seoul Dynasty.
He's back and taking on a different kind of role…
Please welcome @Gesture as the newest addition to our coaching staff. We are excited to have you join the team and look forward to having your guidance and expertise on our roster. 🧠#EverUpward | #OWL2022 pic.twitter.com/V0Lj7jvIwY
— NY Excelsior (@NYExcelsior) May 19, 2022
Gesture joins the Excelsior at a pivotal time for the organization. After being one of the league’s foremost teams, New York took a step back in 2021. They finished 14th in the regular season, missing the playoffs for the first time. This prompted a roster overhaul, with a new team being built around DPS Yim “Flora” Young-woo.
In particular, Gesture will be able to provide valuable insights for the team’s two young tanks, who haven’t played in the Overwatch League before. While Kim “Kellan” Min-jae joined from Talon Esports in Contenders Korea, Jack “Vulcan” McArthur come up from Contenders NA.
NYXL have not started the 2022 season well, opening the Kickoff Clash with a 1-4 record.
Header: NY Excelsior