It should really go without saying that this article will contain spoilers a-plenty. If you’re not caught up on Game of Thrones or if you’re overly precious (and behind) on Overwatch League match results, you may not want to read this article.
Seriously, we're going to talk about stuff.
Like, stuff that happened last week.
We warned you.
Alright, here we go! This week, we plan on witnessing two epic battles: both pitting the North versus the South. In Overwatch League we see the New York Excelsior take to the stage Saturday afternoon against the only team that’s defeated them, the Atlanta Reign. In Game of Thrones, it appears that the North (bolstered by the Dragon Queen’s army) will be headed to King’s Landing to fight for the Iron Throne.
PLOT: Usurpers to the Throne
Both events are tales of destiny where a usurper seemingly upsets destiny. In Game Of Thrones, we see Robert Baratheon taking the throne from King Aerys II Targaryen. Now, it’s being held by his widow, Queen Cersei Lannister. However, now we see Daenerys “The Dragon Queen” Targaryen and Aegon “Jon Snow” Targaryen swooping in from the north to take back what they see as theirs. They not only see it as their destiny but their birthright. The fight at King’s Landing will settle once and for all who rules the Seven Kingdoms.
In Overwatch League the New York Excelsior were kings of the inaugural season. NYXL set a throne-worthy 36 win, 4 loss record, with a jaw-dropping +84 map differential. In Season Two, they looked to set a similar path, undefeated until they met the Atlanta Reign. That game saw Atlanta break NYXL’s streak, dropping the northern team 3-1. New York now looks to put Atlanta down, and show that theirs is the true reign.
NORTHERN DEALERS OF DEATH: Arya Stark VS JjoNak
Both battles have key players, ones that will shift the tide of the match one direction or the other. Both northern groups have cold-hearted assassins: Arya Stark for Game of Thrones and Sung-hyeon "JJoNak" Bang for the NYXL. Both would outwardly appear to be not a threat—a young girl and a support hero—but neither would hesitate to take you out from range with orb or arrow.
900 IQ FLEXING NORTHERNERS: Tyrion Lannister VS Libero
Additionally, the North has two masterminds who seem to be able to adapt to any situation, Hae-seong "Libero" Kim of the Excelsior and Tyrion Lannister. Libero is known to many as one of the best flex players in the league and a key part of absolutely insane strategies. Using Lucio, Sombra, and Mei, Libero was able to shatter expectations while on Korean team Meta Athena. Much like how Libero found alternate pathways to put Meta Athena in surprising positions, Tyrion did similar for soldiers under his command. In the Battle of the Blackwater, he took troops through tunnels to surprise the Baratheons. Additionally, Tyrion has had to flex from a drunken Master of Coin to the Hand of the King, to brawling with a sell-sword.
SOUTHERN ADDITIONS: Golden Company and Euron Greyjoy VS Babybay and DACO
The south is no stranger to battle either, and have recent additions to their armies to help make them more formidable in battle. Queen Cersei Lannister has the addition of the Golden Company and Euron Greyjoy’s fleet. The Atlanta Reign have Andrej "babybay" Francisty and Dong-hyeong "DACO" Seo, both new to the Reign in Season Two, who helped defeat NYXL the first go-round.
SHORT SOUTHERN STYLES: Cersei’s Crop vs Dogman’s Bowl
The biggest source of power that the south may possess, however, comes from an unlikely source. Both Queen Cersei and Dusttin “Dogman: Bowerman have opted to rock stylish looks instead of flowing locks. Cersei has kept her hair short following her “walk of shame” as a way of self-empowerment. Dogman has adopted a bowl-cut to honor the style worn by incredible players before him. Could these do’s be the north’s undoing?
So, now that you have the intel, which of the battles are you looking forward to most? Let us know in the comments, and tune in below when the teams face off this weekend!
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(Images courtesy Blizzard and HBO)
