As one of the oldest teams in Overwatch by average age, it is unexpected to see SG-1 making roster changes due to university commitments. Likewise, as the one of the only top teams without an organisation behind them, it’s surprising to hear that their replacement quit his job to focus on fulltime gaming. SG-1 have done both of these however, swapping out support Lazei for kyynel.

Lazei joined just over a month ago to replace former player hocz, whose upcoming marriage whisked him away. The all-Finnish team quickly adapted to the new addition but still struggled to deliver podium finishes in tournaments. Despite not leaving for university for a few weeks, Lazei has already stepped down as “there was no point in lingering around”.

Lazei gave us an insight into why that was:

Back when I joined, I told the team that I might not be able to play for more than two months and I would know if I could in July. I was their best chance to play a ton during the summer so the team was ok with that as they had no-one better.

In July, when I knew I couldn’t continue playing the hours I’d want to, we searched for a new player and kyynel now had time to play. So I spectated him for a week or two to train him a bit and now he has replaced me full time.

kyynel was previously a player on SG-1, but left the team in March due to his work. Since then the competition has increased but SG-1 have maintained their spot; they remain at the bottom of the top European teams, biding their time for a tournament upset, but kyynel and the team will have to work quickly to overtake the newcomers. Recent losses to newer teams such as 2sTroNk and WEUNITED may be the precursor to a slow decline.

kyynel will be hoping to hang on to the support role for longer than his predecessors and drive the team to become tournament contenders. Having removed the chance for work to step in the way again, stability within the roster should help their progression.

kyynel explained how his situation allowed him to return to SG-1:

I played for SG-1 in the beta but had to quit because of long hours at work. It kinda bothered me for a while I was not giving the game the good chance it deserves. Then I heard about Lazei leaving and made the decision to quit my job and focus on Overwatch full time.

The team had some new advanced tactics, positions, etc. and the metagame had changed a bit, so it did take a while to get used to. But now it has started to feel like home again.

The roster for SG-1 is:

  • Joonas “zappis” Alakurtti (dps)
  • Lauri “mafu” Rasi (dps)
  • Kalle “hymzi” Honkala (flex)
  • Joona “fragi” Laine (tank)
  • Seita (support)
  • Antti “kyynel” Kinnunen (support)