The Overwatch League has lost one of its best players after just a month. Professional player Daniel “Dafran” Francesca is leaving Atlanta Reign to become a streamer again.
Who is Dafran? Daniel “Dafran” Francesca (right in the title image) is one of the best Overwatch players in the world. He is especially well-known in the American community and a fan favorite.
His name was recently circulating in connection with the “Ellie” situation in the Overwatch League. He was also trolled by the only female player in the Overwatch League, Geguri, and he enjoyed it.
He gained his popularity through his laid-back style, questionable stream content, his love for trolling, and particularly strong performances in Overwatch. In the second season of the Overwatch League, he played so well at times that he astonished even the experienced commentators.
In the league, Dafran played for Atlanta Reign, one of the teams predicted to achieve great success for Season 2. Atlanta Reign finished the Phase 1 playoffs, which were also broadcast on TV, in 5th-8th place, taking home $25,000 in prize money.
That’s why he is leaving the league: For Dafran, the Overwatch League has apparently become too exhausting. In a TwitLonger post, he writes:
Professional gaming has always been my biggest dream since I was very young, and you [Atlanta Reign] gave me a chance. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case. I would rather be a streamer again at this point and chill.
He thanks for the opportunity to play with Atlanta Reign and can even broadcast his streams under the team’s flag. As additional reasons, the US site Kotaku also points to the pressures of the league.
Dafran has struggled with mental health issues for a long time, which keep resurfacing. Since the Overwatch League has already worn down many players, this could indeed be another reason.
What’s his plan now? Dafran wants to stream more again. His plan for the future is:
- More, longer, and more consistent streams
- Pepe is coming back
- A stream schedule for the EU is returning (it likely means: at EU-friendly times)
- Overwatch remains the main game, but more variety is likely
Dafran is thus following the path taken by other great players before him. The Dallas-Fuel player Seagull also preferred to return to his streams. His teammate xQc streams more after being kicked.
What do you think of the decision?
The Overwatch League recently made headlines with a highlight:
