Joseph Franco

Hello! My name is Joseph “Volamel” Franco. I've followed esports since the MLGs of 2006 and started out primarily following Starcraft 2, Halo 3, and Super Smash Bros. Melee. I've transitioned from being a viewer to becoming a journalist and writes freelance primarily about Overwatch and League of Legends. If you would like to know more or follow my thoughts on esports you can follow me, and my thoughts, on Twitter at @Volamel.
Esportsheaven •

A Symbol of Aplomb—An Ode to RUI

“And the Hunters, they get the kill, and they will be the second team to defeat the San Francisco Shock in Stage 3!” “Wow!” MonteCristo returned. “The Chengdu Hunters coming in with their A-game tonight, playing some of the best Overwatch we’ve seen from them as a team.” And in the dugout sat Head Coach Xingrui "RUI" Wang. Undoubtedly smiling through a mixed wash of emotions that were comprised of equal parts relief and pride, Coach RUI and the team had done what looked impossible. Relief flo
GGRecon •

After 53 Straight Wins, How Could Vision Strikers Suffer Their First Loss?

Fifty-three straight wins. That is the current win streak of the titans of South Korean VALORANT, Vision Strikers. An impeccable record, untouched with a set loss, Vision Strikers is by far the best team in the region. While they draw teams from time to time, and while a loss might feel impossible for such a roster, the shadow of a potential loss is starting to accumulate over their heads. Strategically and perhaps even mechanically, Vision Strikers feel like they’ve lapped an entire region in t
Polygon •

How the Shanghai Dragons flipped from 0-40 to beating the Overwatch League’s best teams

It’s been a year since the Overwatch League’s first season came to an explosive end. The London Spitfire had defeated Pacific Champions Los Angeles Valiant, and the Philadelphia Fusion shocked the world by defeating the New York Excelsior, who had been expected to take the first season’s championship. In the end, the London Spitfire took the crown and claimed their spot as inaugural champions. Then, there were the Shanghai Dragons, who sat on the outskirts as the worst team in the League with a
Esportsheaven •

Twilight—the Many-Faced God

A famous proverb theorizes that people have three faces. The first face, you show to the world. The second face, you show to close loved ones. And the third face, you never show anyone. However, those three faces make up one composition. Three faces, but one person. professional esports athletes are not exempt from these many facades whether they intentionally don them as masks or not. South Korean native, Lee "Twilight" Jooseok, has been a professional Overwatch player for nearly two-and-a-ha
Esportsheaven •

Mile Marker 601: The journey of Boston Uprising’s NotE, his esports pilgrimage, and beyond

The hustle and bustle of Toronto, Ontario proceed without hesitation. Like any big city, its thirst for excellence fuels its tendency to create, much like its flourishing film industry. Nearly an hour outside of Ontario’s capital lies the quiet suburb of Barrie, Ontario. It is here, where one Overwatch League hopeful, would begin his journey. Lucas "NotE" Meissner is a name very few people were familiar with before the inaugural season of the Overwatch League began. By the end of the season, pun
Esportsheaven •

The Journey of Ryu Je-hong — Charting the Evolution of a King

Before he was bathed in the adoration of his fans and before he was widely considered to be the best Overwatch players in the world, Ryu Je-hong was much like you or I. He was someone who sat awake conjuring up vespertine thoughts of cheering crowds and the bright lights of performing on stage. Ryu Je-hong was self admittedly a dreamer. It was his dream since a young age, to pursue his passion of video games and achieved status and stature within a scene that aligned itself with his interests. B
Esportsheaven •

Fusions Shares Why Family Matters

To muster the constitution to chase your goals is something to be commended, and Overwatch Contenders is rife with young adults looking to chase their dreams. Cameron "Fusions" Bosworth, main tank of the British Hurricane, is one such a player who has a strong presence from his family backing him up. After spending nearly a year putting his nose to the grindstone and sparring against other young aspirants, he’s garnered a good amount of attention following the Hurricane’s victory during Overwat