The Overwatch League (OWL) offseason is in full swing, and teams have begun planning their rosters for the upcoming 2021 season. Today, the New York Excelsior sent out “thank you” tweets to three of the biggest names, implying that they won’t be returning in 2021.
Here are the players that New York is saying goodbye to prior to the new season.
Saebyolbe
Jong-Ryeol “Saebyeolbe” Park played for the New York Excelsior since the inaugural OWL season as one of the biggest names in the league. Saebyeolbe has already publicly stated that he’s looking for a new team, so we can still expect to see him next year — just not in New York.
Saebyolbe is a hitscan DPS player and he has had great success with Heroes like Tracer, Widowmaker, and Sombra. Expect other teams to pounce on the opportunity to land him on their squad.
.@saebyeolbe is not just a captain—he is a leader. From season one, his bright personality & positive energy brought a smile wherever he went. We thank you for all that you've done for this team, this city, & on stage under the NYXL banner. You're forever our captain. #EverUpward pic.twitter.com/LEt89HoShB
— NYXL (@NYXL) November 18, 2020
Libero
Hae-seong “Libero” Kim also played in the Big Apple for the first three OWL seasons. It appears that he will also be departing, as their official Twitter gave him a farewell video.
Libero is also a DPS player, but he specializes in projectile Heroes like Genji, Pharah, Mei, and Hanzo. It will be interesting to see how the New York Excelsior moves forward without their two veteran damage dealers.
.@Liberot99 wasn't just known for his projectile play. His warm smile captured hearts over the past three seasons. It has been a joy to watch him grow on NYXL. You are forever a part of our legacy. You will always be NYXL. #EverUpward pic.twitter.com/WEmWcUGt2z
— NYXL (@NYXL) November 18, 2020
Anamo
Another old name in Taesung “Anamo” Jung is leaving the New York Excelsior too, leaving fans with another difficult departure. With three of the biggest names gone and only one player on the active roster, the team will have an entirely new look next season.
Anamo is a support player who spent the first three OWL seasons with New York. Like the other two, he will be seeking a new team to play with for the 2021 season.
.@Anamo_ow lights up any room he enters and always has your back. On and off-stage, his support role was apparent in everything he has done for NYXL. Thank you for three amazing seasons together. You're forever a part of this family. #EverUpward pic.twitter.com/LL99KnOwz9
— NYXL (@NYXL) November 18, 2020
With these names gone, the New York Excelsior only has one player left on their active roster: Sung-hyeon “JJoNak” Bang. It will be interesting to see if the organization sticks with the former OWL MVP or if they let him go before 2021 as well.
