With the Overwatch World Cup 2019 fast approaching, more and more teams have been releasing their rosters for the tournament. We run down the top 10 seeded teams and their revealed rosters.
The Top 10 Seeds
10. Finland
From the 12 warriors of winter, seven elites have been chosen to fight for Finland. Please welcome them:
This is Team Finland for #OWWC2019
🛡️@LhCloudy
💪@ZappisOW
⚔️@Davin_OW
⚔️@rCk_ow
⚔️@RickyOverwatch
🚑@Masaa_ow
💉@Shaz_OW #TeamWinland pic.twitter.com/cmgopP0rCM— OWWC Team Finland (@owwcfinland) July 29, 2019
With only Jonas “Shaz” Suovaara, Tuomo “Davin” Leppänen, and Joonas “zappis” Alakurtti returning from last year’s lineup, Finland has a fair few fresh faces both from Contenders and the Overwatch League who look to reverse last year’s fortunes at BlizzCon.
9. Russia
Meet the 🇷🇺 russian Top-7 🇷🇺! We won't disappoint you, #ForMotherRussia!
DPS: @sdburnow @MistakesOW @unfixedow
Tank: @txao_ow @toniclol
Support: @ENGHHHHHH , @May8NezMore details in 🎥 (RU only): https://t.co/hYqh4FTF4v #OWWC2018 pic.twitter.com/IhGfEb7nMx
— OW Team Russia 🇷🇺 (@OWTeamRussia) July 7, 2018
Featuring both their Overwatch League players, the DPS are undoubtedly the stars of this lineup. That said, Denis “Tonic” Rulyov, Ilya “Txao” Makarov, Andrey “Engh” Sholokhov, and Alexander “MayN” Muhin are veteran players from 2018, making up a solid team.
8. Sweden
⚔️@snillo_ow
⚔️@Rat_OW
⚔️@ErkiOW— Team Sweden Overwatch (@OwSweden) July 30, 2019
Sweden have opted for a complete overhaul for 2019. With Simon “snillo” Ekström as the only returning player, Sweden looks for a fresh start without its traditional players.
7. Australia
THE FINAL 7! We are proud to announce our roster for Blizzcon 2019! 🇦🇺
Please welcome…
🛡 @Trill_ow
🛡 @punkinoz
⚔ @ieatuupOW
⚔ @ckm_ow
💉 @UnterOW
💉 @Tongue____
🧠 @thefacefaceface🧠 @GunbaOW
🧠 @Rqtwow
📰 @FroggerOW🖌️ @scaryVFX
🖌️ @_itsOzzY pic.twitter.com/BhlHTpJj0j— Australia OWWC 🇦🇺 (@AUSOWWC) July 30, 2019
Interestingly, Australia gave their seventh spot to coach Sam “face” Merewether to focus on their main six. We’ll see how this strategy pans out and if it’ll give them the edge they need to take the tourney.
6. United Kingdom
We have our 7.@yung_ksp @FunnyAstro @Fusions @smexy @Boombox @KruiseOW @KYB pic.twitter.com/9uPuCbI7nf
— Team UK Overwatch 🇬🇧 (@7LionsOW) August 4, 2019
The UK’s lineup remains mostly the same as last year, with the lone addition of Daniel “FunnyAstro” Hathaway. The Brits flew under the radar last year, pulling off a surprise win against the US, and are not to be underestimated.
5. United States
We know you've been waiting, finally it's time.
Meet your 2019 12-man roster! 🇺🇸🛡️@Muma
🛡️@super_OW
🛡️@FCTFCTN
🛡️@SPACEOW⚔️@danteh
⚔️@Corey_OW
⚔️@sinatraa
⚔️@ksf
⚔️@Hydration💉@sleepy
💉@moth_ow
💉@Rawkus#WeBelieve pic.twitter.com/L4oUrzsSw2— USA Overwatch World Cup 🇺🇸 (@USAOWWC) July 29, 2019
With talent from across the Overwatch League, the US is definitely a jack of all trades, but will they prove to be a master of none? After last year’s humiliating defeat against the UK, America has a lot to prove.
4. France
📢 On y est : voici la liste des 12 joueurs encore en lice, rien que pour vous !
Alors, quel est votre avis ?
N'oubliez pas : le 7 définitif sera dévoilé dans quelques temps 😉#avecle6 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/63U919a12g
— Équipe de France OW (@avecle6) July 25, 2019
While lacking in Overwatch League talent compared to some of the other top teams, the French team still features many top Contenders players. With Dylan “aKm” Bignet and Terence “SoOn” Tarlier on DPS, they’re sure to give the other top teams a run for their money.
3. China
Welcome the TEAM CHINA 2019 🇨🇳#OWWC2019#CNOW pic.twitter.com/cUy1zWHLVS
— OWWC TEAM CHINA 🇨🇳 (@owwcteamchina) July 30, 2019
After proving themselves last year, China looks to dethrone rival South Korea with a pure Overwatch League roster. Fan favourites Xu “guxue” Qiulin and Huang “leave” Xin are ones to watch.
2. Canada
Say hello to your 2019 @TeamCanadaOW OWWC roster!
The 7 man roster:
🛡️@xQc
🛡️@NotEvenBleu
⚔️@agilities
⚔️@Surefour
⚔️@Mangachu_
💉@BaniOW
💉@CrimzoOur backups:
🛡️@ChayneOW
🛡️@WalidTheMouffin
⚔️@akaydia1
💉@ZholikOW
💉@AutumnSoulsOW#NorthStrong 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/mQsEzcKlZy— Team Canada OW 🇨🇦 (@TeamCanadaOW) July 29, 2019
Canada’s playing all the old hits once again this year. Mostly the same players, same coaching staff, just refinement. Highly popular but controversial streamer Félix “xQc” Lengyel also looks to take the player award with his legions of loyal fans in chat.
1. South Korea
🇰🇷✊ 샷따 내릴 준비 완료 ✊🇰🇷 https://t.co/X1uGWCegpB
— 오버워치 (@OverwatchKR) August 1, 2019
South Korea, the undefeated champions. Each and every member is arguably the best in the world at their role, including the legendary coach Da-hee “Crusty” Park. While some of their original picks declined in order to focus on the Overwatch League, they’re still by far the favorites to take the trophy.
Other Teams
In addition to the top 10 seeded teams, many others are eligible to play in the Overwatch World Cup 2019. Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), and Thailand all also look to complete.
For more Overwatch esports content, see our coverage of Toronto Defiant’s coaching changes or Houston Outlaws’ new president.
