As one of the most successful Overwatch organizations, San Francisco Shock OWL are always trying to build the best rosters. Accordingly, heading into 2023 they’re switching a few players around – read on to learn more below!
As is tradition at esportsguide, we love working on an Esports Tier List every now and then. Indeed, following the conclusion of some of the largest esports events ever, now is the best time ever. Accordingly, feel free to read on for an updated list for Esports Tier List 2022 Q4!
Indeed, as always, we’ll fill you in on the same criteria we’ve always used to dictate our tier lists:
Event Proportions – Size of prize pools, number of participants, third and first party organizers, environment and arena capacities
Event frequency – is the year bursting with competition or solely reliant on infrequent first-party organizers
Competitiveness – the level of competition in an esports scene is related to its livelihood
State of the community – health of the lower tier sectors and general condition of the esport as a dynamic entity
Credits: Garena
Accordingly, with that taken care of, always remember that these lists are subject to our opinion too. Otherwise, we’ll be listing the top viewership from the time period, although it’s not the only factor considered. We’re not looking at growth – just where they stand.
Tier 1 – Welcoming VALORANT and Free Fire – Esports Tier List 2022
LoL – 2022 World Championship – Peak Viewers 5,147,701
CS:GO – PGL Major Antwerp 2022 – Peak Viewers 2,113,610
Dota 2 – The International 2022 – Peak Viewers 1,751,086
VALORANT – VALORANT Champions 2022 – Peak Viewers 1,505,804
Free Fire – Free Fire World Series 2022 Sentosa – Peak Viewers 1,477,545
So, let’s talk about the changes involved here. Firstly, since our last Esports Tier List, we’ve decided to promote VALORANT to Tier 1 after an incredible second season, breaking the million peak viewer mark.
In addition, we’ve decided to demote PUBG Mobile from Tier 1 to Tier 2 due to a quieter year, failing to reach the same level of viewership. In contrast, Free Fire managed to grow in the past year and have earned a spot as the top Mobile Esport in the world.
Otherwise, LoL and CS:GO retain their spots as the two very best esports in the world, each having incredible years. Although still worthy of Tier 1, Dota had a rough year and will look to improve next year.
Tier 2 – Multiple Promotions and Demotions
PUBG Mobile – 31st Southeast Asian Games PUBG Mobile – Peak Viewers 903,011
Rocket League – RLCS 21-22 World Championship – Peak Viewers 368,721
Overwatch League – OWL 2022 Playoffs – Peak Viewers 397,868
CoD – CDL 2022 Playoffs – Peak Viewers 275,244
Credits: Psyonix
While Tier 1 has remained somewhat the same, Tier 2 has seen multiple changes since last year.
Perhaps the most impressive climber is the likes of Rocket League – after an impressive year with constant improvement in viewership, the esport is kicking up very well. They’re climb to Tier 2 from Tier 3 is joined by AoG which has remained consistent over the past two years.
Also, Overwatch has made the jump thanks to a much needed improvement of viewership from last year. In fact, it was doubled this year thanks to the excitement behind Overwatch 2.
As we explained prior, for now we’ve had to demote PUBG Mobile to Tier 2 as they’ve failed to be consistent this past year. Let’s see if things improve next year.
Tier 3 – Halo Infinite Making a Mark
Halo World Championship 2022 – Peak Viewers 143,585
FIFA – FIFA eWorld Cup 2022 – Peak Viewers 149,465
PUBG – PUBG Nations Cup – Peak Viewers 239,112
Rainbow Six Siege – Six Invitational 2022 – Peak Viewers 262,714
Credits: Blizzard
Here in Tier 3, the likes of Halo and FIFA are newcomers. With Halo restarting esports operations this year, it joins an improving FIFA scene which returned with offline events this year.
Meanwhile, we’ve decided to demote PUBG and Rainbow Six Siege as they both seem to be lacking growth. Bearing this in mind, both esports are making big changes for 2023 in search of success.
Tier 4 – Wild Rift Experiment Failing?
Credits: Blizzard
StarCraft II – IEM Katowice 2022 – Peak Viewers 50,635
Fortnite – Fortnite Champions Series 2022 Invitational – Peak Viewers 381,915
Hearthstone – Hearthstone World Championship – Peak Viewers 21,786
Overall, there are a number of ways organizers try make their events more accessible. Indeed, apart from touring around the world, age limit is another barrier. Bearing this in mind, it seems that the Overwatch League 2023 will be lowering the limit – read on to learn more below!
Overwatch League 2023 – Opening the Gates
Credits: Blizzard Entertainment
Currently, for the past few seasons, players have had to be at least 18 years old to compete in the Overwatch League.
However, while we wait for news about the 2023 season, this is amongst one of a few announcements to come. Specifically, Overwatch League Head, Sean Miller, said the following:
As we look towards the FA window opening on Friday, we’re excited to share that our minimum age for OWL competition will be 17 starting in 2023.
In a free to play world, we want to make the top level of Overwatch competition as accessible and inclusive as possible.
Remember the inaugural season of the Overwatch League? Back then, Vancouver Titans were one of the best teams in the league. However, since then, they’ve suffered dearly. Accordingly, the Vancouver Titans OWL 2023 roster is trying to rebuild – read on to learn more!
Vancouver Titans OWL 2023 – Still Building
🇨🇦 He's coming home 🇨🇦
Please give a warm Vancouver welcome to the Canadian veteran @Crimzo 💚💙
Changes in the offseason can be minor or drastic. Indeed, in the case of Boston Uprising OWL 2023, they’ve decided to sign an entire new team for the upcoming season. Read on as we take a quick look below!
Boston Uprising OWL 2023 – Completely New
Stars. Leaders. Heroes. The @bostonuprising are proud to present our 2023 roster.
A team of warriors with one goal in mind: showing the fans why they call Boston the city of champions. #BostonUp
Over the past few years, Boston Uprising have failed to impress and make it to the podium of any Overwatch League event. However, last season saw the roster finish 3rd at the Countdown Cup, but failing to make it to the OWL Playoffs.
Yet, this wasn’t enough for the team to stick together. Since then, an entirely new roster has been announced:
Kim “birdring” Ji-hyeok – DPS
Kwon “Striker” Nam-joo – DPS
Gui-un “Decay” Jang – DPS
Myeonghwan “smurf” Yoo – Tank
Lee “LeeJaeGon” Jae-Gon – Support
Minchul “Izayaki” Kim – Support
Credits: Overwatch League
Reworking their approach, Boston Uprising is looking much stronger. Most significantly, the likes of Kwon “Striker” Nam-joo from San Francisco Shock could bring the the winning factor they need over their history:
Do you remember the Overwatch World Cup from 3 years ago? Indeed, we’re asking for a particular reason. Accordingly, Blizzard Entertainment has just announced the return of the Overwatch World Cup 2023 – read on to learn more about the event below!
Overwatch World Cup 2023 – Exciting News
The road to crowning the 2023 Overwatch World Cup Champion kicks off next month 🎉 And it’s gonna be a wild ride 🎢
Announced in an epic press release here, find some of the key details listed below:
Teams: 36 countries and regions (TBA January 2023)
Date: 2023 Fall
Venue: Offline LAN TBA
Moreover, the event will involve a certain timeline split into three stages:
1 – January – competitor announcement, committee application
2 – February-June – world cup trials, committee announcement, team tryouts, team selection, world cup qualifiers
3 – Fall – Group Stage + Finals
Credits: Blizzard
What’s very exciting is the change in format making the opportunity open to anyone. Indeed, the open tournament formats will allow anyone who is ranked Diamond and above to queue up and try earn a spot in the region.
Otherwise, from the 36 rosters, only the top 16 teams will progress to the final stage of the competition with the hopes of being crowned world champions.
In conclusion, we’re glad this event is returning and with some needed changes!
Overall, 2022 has been great for the esports industry. Bearing this in mind, we can’t help but look forward to the next year of esports. Indeed, in this featured we’ll be taking the time to preview the prospects for the Esports Industry 2023 – read on to learn more!
Specifically, in this featured discussion, we’ll be previewing two types of esports scenes. Firstly, those which are incredibly young and look to capitalize on another. Secondl;y, new upcoming titles which could really develop the esports industry!
Esports Industry 2023 – Young Scenes Shaping Up
Credits: Call of Duty League
So, let’s start by looking at some esports which have a lot to prove in the coming year.
To begin with, we have established esports scenes with new game titles – as follows:
CoD Esports – Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Released by Infinity Ward in October of this year, CoD MWII looks to revolutionize Call of Duty esports on two counts.
In terms of viewership, this title will be the very first since the start of the Call of Duty League which does not involve exclusive YouTube streaming. Bearing this in mind, the first weeks of competition have already broken records for the esport.
Call of Duty League 2020 Season 2020-02-09 / Photo: Robert Paul for Activision Blizzard
Furthermore, this is the first time in roughly 10 years, that a Call of Duty title will be supported for more than 2 years.
For both the competitive and casual scene, Infinity Ward will have to do their best to continuously provide content and also manage the Call of Duty League. Such a change could do wonders for the future of CoD esports.
Overwatch Esports – Overwatch 2
Also supported by Activision Blizzard, Overwatch 2 released earlier this year with hopes to rejuvinate Overwatch.
Since 2016, the title and the Overwatch League hae been on a slow decline and needed a boost of energy. That’s why the release of Overwatch 2 in October of this year is rather exciting.
Overwatch League 2020 Season 2020-03-07 / Photo: Joshua Roberts For Activision Blizzard
Although released, the title is still receiving quite a bit of updates and doing its utmost to comply with the community and keep the title up to date. Considering this, this coming year will let us know what the future holds for Overwatch and the Overwatch League.
In conclusion, the likes of CoD and Overwatch esports, established esports, are hoping for a good year with their new titles.
Wild Rift Esports
On the note of mobile esports, Riot Games’ efforts to grow Wild Rift have been great in 2022. Hosting the Icons Global Championship 2022 with $2,000,000 on the line proved the prospects of this esports.
While we know little about the upcoming schedule of the season, we remain hopeful and curious to see how this title pushes the ceiling for mobile esports.
New Esports 2023 – Could Riot Games Surprise?
In addition, we’d like to take about titles which perhaps haven’t established themselves but seem to offer quite the potential.
Warzone 2 – together with the release of the main title, Warzone 2 is the hottest new battle royale with a loyal competitive and causal community. Accordingly, should Infinity Ward captivate on this, they could really put together an impressive esport which we’d love to see happen.
Credits: Riot Games
Project L – although we’re not sure whether it’ll be released in 2023, Riot Games’ experiment in fighting game esports with ‘Project L’ could be incredible. Considering their history with VALORANT and Wild Rift – we can’t wait to see what esport they build.
We’ll continue to cover esports in 2023 here on esportsguide!
When Houston managed to place third at the OWL 2022 Playoffs, everyone was stunned. Accordingly, apart from the achievement itself, the organization had had a rough season up to that point. Indeed, the 3rd place wasn’t enough – read on to learn about changes shaping Houston Outlaws OWL 2023?
Houston Outlaws OWL 2023 – Down to Three
It's been a fun season working with Danteh! Learning a new role on top of a language barrier is no easy feat but he never gave up and always showed up for the team. I have a lot of respect for him as a professional player and I have no doubt he'll find a good home🥰 https://t.co/jF6OVnDe6V
Honestly, it’s been a few seasons in a row with Houston Outlaws offering a poor showing throughout.
In fact, their 3rd place finish at the Playoffs this year is likely their greatest achievement. However, the roster’s poor performance across the season merits some change to come through.
Since the off-season started, the team has had multiple players leave together with their assistant coach. Now, the following players remain:
Oh “Pelican” Se-hyun – DPS
Jungwon “Lastro” Mun – Support
Choi “MER1T” Tae-min – DPS
Credits: Activision Blizzard
While we’re not sure whether these players will remain or not, what’s clear is that another rebuild seems to be incoming.
Hopefully they use their past seasons, including 2022 to learn and build a better team:
For those unaware, competitive Overwatch has multiple levels to it. While the highest level of competition is enjoyed by the Overwatch League, amateur players are busy trying to forge a path through the Overwatch Contenders. Accordingly, in the coming week, the 2022 Overwatch Contenders Run it Back: Europe looks to kick off – read on to learn How to Watch this event below!
Event Background
Credits: Blizzard
In terms of background, this event celebrates the entire season of Overwatch Contenders. Indeed, while the Overwatch League concluded in the past month, the new season hasn’t started yet.
Bearing this in mind, the Overwatch Contenders Run It Back event looks to invite the best teams from the season to crown a regional champion.
With $100,000 on the line, the event will run from 28th November to 16th December in an online environment. Inviting the top 12 teams in the world, we’ll be curious to see which of these teams make it to the top of the continent:
Ex Oblivione
Team Peps
Raspberry Racers
Twisted Minds
Munich eSports
Young and Beautiful
Shu’s Money Crew EU
01 esports
Sheer Cold
Bro Love
Mind Goblin
AWW YEAH
Notably, this event will be played on Overwatch 2 – read on as we describe the format and event details below!
Format
Did you see it? 👀
That's right! Our next tournament will be Overwatch Contenders RUN IT BACK!
Furthermore, the format looks to be an opportunity for two types of teams.
Teams have either seeded here through the Summer Series B-Sides or the Open Division.
Bearing this in mind, all 12 teams have already been seeded to compete in the first stage of competition – the double round robin groups. For those unaware, this means that teams will have to face each other twice before progressing to the next stage.
Here is the seeding for the Groups below:
Group 1
Bro Love
Ex Oblivione
Raspberry Racers
Sheer Cold
Shu’s Money Crew EU
Young and Beautiful
Group 2
01 esports
AWW YEAH
Mind Goblin
Munich eSports
Team Peps
Twisted Minds
Credits: Overwatch League
Within each group, only the top 4 teams will progress to the Double Elimination Playoff Bracket.
Depending on placement in the Groups, teams will have to survive through a double elimination playoff bracket. With all the teams starting in the Upper Bracket Quarterfinals, the concept is simple. Accordingly, a single loss will result in a team falling to the Lower Bracket.
Furthermore, another loss will result in the elimination of the teams in the Lower Bracket.
Finally, the Grand Final will involve one team from the Upper Bracket Final and another from the Lower Bracket Final.
Schedule for the Overwatch Contenders Run It Back: Europe
Overall, the schedule is rather extensive over multiple weeks.
Regardless, let’s take a look at the first two rounds of competition:
Round 1 – 28th November 2022
Group 1
ExO vs RR (18:00 CET)
YaB vs BL (18:00 CET)
SMC vs SC (18:00 CET)
Group 2
PEPS vs TM (18:00 CET)
MUC vs MG (18:00 CET)
01E vs AY (18:00)
Credits: Activision Blizzard
Round 2 – 28th November 2022
Group 1
YaB vs SMV (19:30 CET)
BL vs ExO (19:30 CET)
RR vs SC (19:30 CET)
Group 2
MUC vs 01E (19:30 CET)
MG vs PEPS (19:30 CET)
TM vs AY (19:30 CET)
Feel free to stay up with the event schedule here.
Watch the Overwatch Contenders Run It Back: Europe on esportsguide
You can also watch the event live stream via our very own website. Providing an extensive list of the biggest esports together with streams for each esports match live today or upcoming matches.
Despite multiple changes and roster moves, Vancouver Titans OWL 2022 failed to succeed this season. Accordingly, it seems they plan to make a few changes before the next season starts. Indeed, read on as we describe one of their first changes!
Vancouver Titans OWL 2022 – A Poor Season
Today we announce that we will be parting ways with @dpei_ow.
David joined us at a very difficult time in the season and lifted us up with his insight and expertise. We appreciate the hard work he put in as our head coach this season. Thank you & all the best moving forward. pic.twitter.com/V5z8EsCkJG
Firtly, the likes of Petja “Masaa” Kantanen (Support) announced his retirement and left the organization on 6th November.
That left the following roster below:
Luka “Aspire” Rolovic – DPS
Nick “False” Wiseman – Tank
Park “Aztac” Jeong-su – Support
Robert “Skairipa” Lupsa – Support
Chris “MirroR” Trinh – DPS
Rene “k1ng” Rangel – DPS
Beyond this, the organization is making changes to the coaching staff. Specifically, the Head Coach David “dpei” Pei has now parted ways with the Vancouver Titans.
Credits: OWL
Naturally, this is definitely expected – let’s take a look at the following performance history below:
18th @ OWL 2022 Regular Season
7-8th @ OWL 2022 Summer Showdown
19th @ OWL 2021 Regular Season
12-13th @ OWL 2022 NA Playoffs
Well, will there be further changes involving the players? It’s very likely and we’ll be sure to keep you up to date in the coming days.
