After the success of their first Fan Day, Shanghai Dragons held Fan Day 2.0 at the Blizzard Arena, asking supporters to lend their energy for their match vs. Houston Outlaws.

With plenty of fan service, giveaways, and player interaction, Shanghai Dragons go to great lengths to ensure their loyal fans have something to get excited about.

They pulled out all the stops during SHD’s entrance into the arena. Players were met with a cheerleading squad dawning the teams signature colors as they walked onto the stage.

They even had the cheerleaders perform during halftime, an OWL first.

As for the results of the actual match, actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang was in attendance (a special guest of the team) and provided the general sentiments. 

“We got the greatest fans of the whole league… it’s OK to not win.”

The 36th loss 

Although they lost, Shanghai Dragons showed very impressive moments.  Diya was named MVP as he constantly pulled off clutch plays.

As a team, SHD’s most impressive moment was on Hanamura.  At first, it looked like it would be a repeat of their loss on Hanamura to Dallas Fuel with Arhan’s Brigitte being highly disruptive. Houston took the attack quickly on a 3 tank / 3 support formation.

It looked bad by Round 3 with SHD needing to take Hanamura A within 59 seconds.  But they managed to do it, playing the exact same 3 tank / 3 support line-up Houston previously played.

When it was Houston’s turn to attack again, they took Point A quickly and they had 5:20 left to take B.  And this is where SHD showed superior positioning and ult management to win each team fight. They denied Houston a single tick and forced out the Draw.

On Lijiang, SHD was in a position to finish the map with a 99% lead.  This was the moment where it looked like the comeback was happening.  But unfortunately, they couldn’t close it out and Houston won the set.

Sideshow’s theory is that even though they are under no pressure to make the playoffs, they are still under massive pressure to secure their first win.  And that’s why they end up choking when they get close.

The players may do well to take in words of Jimmy O. Yang.  “It’s OK to not win”.  Not because there is a lack of trying, but perhaps too far to the point of choking.  The fans know they are working hard. Their improvement is visible and the fans will continue to support them as they work towards their first win.