It’s safe to say there’s no team in the Overwatch League with more of a reputation than the San Francisco Shock. Famously, after conquering the league in 2019, there was some doubt around whether or not the Shock could stay on top the following year. They soon vanquished that doubt by winning a second championship and proving they could not only stay on top, but they could make it look effortless.
Not even back-to-back champions can guarantee stability, though. This off-season brought major change to the Shock roster, as key players Kim “Rascal” Dong-jun and Grant “Moth” Espe both departed, moving to the Philadelphia Fusion and the Los Angeles Gladiators, respectively. Both Rascal and Moth had been with the Shock through the two championship runs and were considered crucial parts of the team’s ecosystem.
Luckily for the Shock, winning two championships also makes it pretty easy to pick up promising talent.
Flex damage player Charlie “nero” Zwarg played for the Guangzhou Charge in 2019 and 2020. He was always mechanically gifted, but the Charge’s fluctuating performance made it difficult for him to break into the upper echelon of damage players. Now, going into 2021, the Shock may prove a more stable environment in which nero can reach his fullest potential.
There’s some pressure on him when it comes to filling Rascal’s shoes, considering Rascal’s reputation as one of the best flex players in the league. Nero, however, isn’t too bothered by it.
“I don’t really feel the pressure too much yet,” said nero. “But I think I’ll feel it more when the season starts, and I actually think I’ll thrive under it.”
