(Photo courtesy of Robert Paul via Blizzard Entertainment)







In the most unlikely of stories, coming from the once 0-40 team the Shanghai Dragons secure the win of the Stage 3 Finals of the Overwatch League against the San Fransisco Shock.







The team from the east had struggled all throughout Season 1 of the league. With an interesting start to season 2, the improvements the Dragons had shown were definitely visible in the ladder of the 2019 season. The Shock, however, have been in every stage final this season. With more experience backing them, the fans had no doubt that San Fransisco would make quick work of the east-bound team. Reality came in with a “shock” to San Fransisco as Shanghai won both maps before halftime making the set record 0-2. With the Dragons’ strong plays in Numbani and Oasis, it left the Shock scrambled looking for answers. However, for Shanghai, this meta was it’s was the answer it was looking for as map 3 went underway in Horizon Lunar Colony.

Even though the Shock looked stronger than before, they couldn’t keep up with Shanghai and the pressure they dealt. Bringing the game a 3-2 loss for map 3. The score for the series was 3-0 and not only did the Dragons have momentum, but they were feeling themselves on stage.





The Dragons were one map away from becoming Stage 3 champions and showing the world that Season 1 was nothing but growing pains for the new roster.

Map 4, the setting is Havana. Do or die for Shanghai and the Shocks’ last chance to make something work. Alas, the clean sweep wasn’t in the books for Shanghai. The San Fransisco Shock were able to put themselves on the board stopping Shanghai in the tracks for game 4, putting some momentum in San Fransisco’s court. The Dragons picked Ilios for game 5 looking to close out this match and give themselves the title of Stage 3 Champions, but San Fransisco wasn’t done yet. Putting another point on the board, the series was now at 3-2 and this was it for the team. Game 6 took the teams to Eichenwalde. San Fransisco was looking to shift its momentum to get themselves another point. With a swift victory for the Shock on Game 6, this was it for the Dragons. Win here or lose to the Shock. Shanghai was able to stop the Shock a little after the first checkpoint on Dorado. After a hard fought game 7. They break through and push the payload their way to a Stage 3 championship.







This is a momentous occasion for the Dragons and puts hope into their fans. With their backs against they were able to turn it around and finally be able to silence their haters.

Shanghai Dragons are your Stage 3 Champions!