Haksal joins the New York Excelsior of the Overwatch League

Hyojong “Haksal” Kim has officially joined the New York Excelsior. The New York Overwatch League team announced his signing today via Twitter.

Who is Haksal?

Haksal is a 19-year-old Korean damage player who previously played for the Vancouver Titans in the Overwatch League. He was one of the top prospects in 2019, and he didn’t disappoint, winning the Rookie of the Year award. His team made it to the 2019 finals, where they finished in second place behind the San Francisco Shock. Haksal is known for playing projectile Damage Heroes, but he is also versatile and can flex.

He became a free agent after he parted ways with Vancouver over internal issues earlier this season. Since Haksal is only 19, he has plenty of room to grow and improve with a new team. New York is a good landing spot for him.

The 2019 Rookie of the Year has a new home. Please join us in welcoming @RunawayHaksal2 to the Big Apple. #Andbox #EverUpward pic.twitter.com/jIoxYpiYOX

— NYXL (@NYXL) June 5, 2020

Helping the New York Excelsior

New York has been at the top of the standings throughout 2020 despite losing one of their best damage players in Do-hyeon “Pine” Kim. They already have three solid damage options in Jong-ryeol “Saebyeolbe” Park, Hae-seong “Libero” Kim, and Seung-jun “WhoRU” Lee. Haksal will have to share the stage with them, but he should provide a valuable option when they want or need a projectile damage Hero.

His addition to the roster can only help their chances. They are currently 10-3 in the 2020 season and in fourth place behind only the Philadelphia Fusion, the Shanghai Dragons, and the San Francisco Shock. Despite this, they are only two and a half games behind the first place Fusion, who are 13-1. With Haksal on the roster, New York will look to climb further up the standings.

The Overwatch League is currently on hiatus until June 13. Expect to see Haksal make his debut the next time New York plays. He’s far too talented not to make an appearance.