OPL veteran EGym signs as coach for SG Esports in 2019

His first venture into coaching in a professional league, EGym comes with plenty of experience as one of Australia’s most decorated support players. Having been a part of the OPL since the beginning, starting off on Legacy in Split 1 2015, he made his true legacy on the Chiefs lineup alongside Swip3rR, Spookz and Swiffer in a reign which saw them claim three OPL titles.

For EGym though, it’s something that he never saw himself doing.

“It’s kind of funny thinking about the position I’m in,” he said. “Never would I have thought growing up I would have played League professionally, then moving around the space into casting and now coaching.”

Indeed, he’s recently found himself looking upon the Rift rather than doing battle on it, casting on the official OPL broadcast in 2018 alongside Jake “Spawn” Tiberi. Growing throughout the year as a caster, he will return to the broadcast in 2019 alongside his coaching endeavours.

“I think Bryce has done extremely well as a player and caster,” said General Manager Brandon “Juves” Defina. “With the skills he has picked up in both endeavours, I think the transition will be a smooth one for him. He understands the players and the ecosystem in OCE.”

“He’s a great leader and there’s nothing more comforting than knowing someone like that is in charge.” – Juves, GM of SG Esports

“Coaching is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time,” said EGym, “and I’m super excited that Sean and Juves thought we’d be a great fit.

“It’s going to be a learning experience for everyone involved, but I think especially for myself in how to integrate successfully into a team from a new angle.”

EGym will be leading a relatively young lineup of stars, including All-Star 1v1 Finalist Jackson “Pabu” Pavone, ex-Legacy bot lane duo Julian “Raid” Skordos and Daniel “Decoy” Ealam, ex-Avant jungler Jordan “Praelus” Fernandes and the newly promoted mid laner Harry “Haeri” Kang.

“Everyone is coming from different environments, especially Haeri promoting from the OCS, and I think there is huge growth potential in everyone on the lineup,” said EGym.

“Bryce is someone who most of these younger players look up to,” added Juves. “His resume speaks for itself and there’s a mutual respect between coach and player and for me that’s an important thing.”

With this roster, SG Esports are looking to shake up the more established teams of the OPL and make the next generation of the OPL shine bright in 2019. However, trying to predict the future is almost impossible.

“I can only predict good things when I think about this team and the future. We have done all we can to get people with good character and, of course, skill. We have the perfect balance,” said Juves.

“Success could take the shape of many different forms,” EGym added, “and while I don’t think my philosophy is groundbreaking, as long as we collectively put in the work and create a healthy team environment, the sky’s the limit.”

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SG Esports will start their OPL journey when play returns on the 18th of January. Be sure to check out their website at NewOPLTeam.com.au this week for their official branding announcement.

You can follow EGym, Juves, and SG Esports on Twitter.