This article is part of our Overwatch Recap series.
The European underdogs Misfits not only came in as the least favorite to advance to the finals; they also had two stand-ins. However the French based team looked unstoppable in the grand finals, taking out the North American Power-house EnVyUs 3-1.
Before entering the European qualifier, Misfits lost two of their starting players: Nikolaj "Zaprey" Ian Moyes, to retirement, while Nicholas "skipjack" Rosada had to attend a family emergency. Little did Misfits know, the two new inclusions, Ruben "ryb" Ljungdahl and Mikaël "Hidan" Da Silva, were the key pieces to their success.
The high powered offense by Misfits certainly was potent in the first map of the best of five series on Kings Rows. Here Misfits opened with an aggressive push onto Point A. Before EnVyUs could have time to react, the Point was already taken. With EnVyUs forced to fall back, Misfits continued to push the payload in record pace onto the first checkpoint. EnVyUs' defense was tested as Misfits' Terrance "SoOn" Tarlier Reaper plunged from above, getting multiple kills with his Death Blossom and aid from Mercy. With the help of Mei, Misfits' last minute push allowed them to take the first round. EnVyUs then switched to offense where they also took control of the payload early on to tie the score up 1-1. However, it was Misfits who stuck with their aggressive style of play and managed to clear Point A taking Map One away from EnVyUs.
In the next match on Nepal, Misfits seemed to have trouble dealing with Timo "Taimou" Kettunen's Roadhog, who never seemed to miss a hook, picking off Misfits' offense one at a time. As a result, Misfits could not get anything going, struggling to push through a choke point near the control early on. Misfits managed to snag one round away from EnVyUs. However, EnVyUs took most of the map control after a close first round and a blow out hold on Village to take the second map and tie the series 1-1. EnVyUs looked to carry momentum going into Map Three.
Misfits looked to rally back on Watchpoint after a tough loss on Nepal. Andreas "Nevix" Karlsson of Misfits led his offense with two huge opening multi-kills to gain the upper advantage on the choke point. Misfits then began to pick EnVyUs apart, thinning out the competition with McCree's Dead Eye and Reaper's Death Blossom. EnVyUs had a slow start as Ronnie "Talespin" Dupree made a late hero change, slowing down the offense. Talespin's late hero change cost them an all important Map Three victory, leaving EnVyUs hanging on the edge of the proverbially cliff.
Lijiang Tower was a highly contested map for both teams as Misfits looked to take home $100,000 and bragging rights; however, EnVyUs was fighting to stay alive. The first round certainly became close as EnVyUs was able to overcome a huge early game deficit, but Misfits with a last second push allowed them to secure the point on Night Market. EnVyUs came back after and evened up the match 1-1 with a strong Control center hold. However, EnVyus' momentum came to a screeching halt after Misfits took the third round away in spectacular fashion with great individual plays from Terrance "SoOn" Tarlier using Tracer's Pulse Bomb.
Misfits overcame all odds heading into the finals with two last minute stand-ins, winning $100,000. It is uncertain whether or not Misfits' two stand-ins will remain active on the roster or if the players will part ways.