New York Excelsior Stuns Fans by Parting Ways With Acclaimed Coach WizardHyeong

New York Excelsior has parted ways with coach Kim ‘WizardHyeong’ Hyeong-sik ahead of Season Two of the Overwatch League.

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The decision, which the Excelsior describe as mutual, comes as a rather stunning twist for fans, many of whom regarded WizardHyeong as the tactical genius behind the Excelsior’s success.

Throughout most of the first season of the Overwatch League, New York Excelsior was the almost undisputed top team, claiming two stage titles and finishing the regular season with a 34-6 record, seven wins clear of the second-place team.

• Read more: Blizzard Gives Detailed Response to Feedback on Overwatch Widowmaker Bugs

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Unfortunately, the NYXL wasn’t able to quite reproduce their dominant form in the season playoffs, going out in the semi-finals to Philadelphia Fusion.

WizardHyeong was one of only a few coaches to gain significant acclaim during the first season of the league, no doubt helped in part by his fluent English and confident demeanour, both of which shone through on an episode of talk show OverSight that boosted his profile.

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The impact a talented coach can have on a team seemed to play out in the first season with Park ‘Crusty’ Da-hee, whose move from the Boston Uprising to the San Francisco Shock was followed by a drop in performance from the former and a boost for the latter. In the eyes of many, WizardHyeong could be a similarly valuable asset.

WizardHyeong has announced that he is looking for a team ahead of Season Two. Considering his reputation, it seems highly likely that he will find a new home before the new season starts.

https://twitter.com/WizardHyeong/status/1035553955755917312

*Update: September 1*

Less than 24 hours after announcing his departure from New York Excelsior, it appears WizardHyeong has already found a new team.

https://twitter.com/WizardHyeong/status/1035896801448972290