Half-way through its second season, the Overwatch League loses its Commissioner. Nate Nanzer, who has been a leading and powerful voice in the growth and birth of the Esports league. Nanzer posted the announcement on Twitter today and is leaving the Overwatch League to join Epic Games to help helm the future of competitive Fortnite.
“Hey Overwatch League family.” Nanzer began his tweet. “I wanted to share that soon I will be leaving Blizzard for a new opportunity.”
This “new opportunity” would later be confirmed by ESPN’s Jacob Wolf, stating Epic Games told him "We're excited to welcome Nate to the Epic Games team, where he'll be working with us on competitive Fortnite.”
“This has been the toughest decision of my life, because it means I won’t get to work with the best staff, players, teams, owners, partners, and fans in esports anymore,” Nanzer continued on Twitter. “I can’t emphasize enough how proud I am of what we’ve all accomplished together. It has been the honor of my life,” he writes.
Overwatch, celebrating its third birthday, has been the pinnacle of competitive structure and launches that has changed the way developers look at Esports forever. Most of all, the fans are rabid and growing.
“I get way too much credit for the success of the Overwatch League.” continued Nanzer. “It’s been awesome to be our public face, but too many overestimate my role in making the league great. It isn’t about me; it’s never been. It’s about all of you.”
In the interim, Pete Vlastelica -- the former Fox Sports executive VP, and current President and CEO of Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues -- said that he would be stepping in as commissioner effective immediately.
On leaving the Overwatch League in someone else’s hands, Nanzer said “I’m confident the league is in great hands. I can’t wait to see where the team takes the Overwatch League in 2020 and beyond. I’ll be cheering alongside you, every step of the way.”
The Overwatch League returns with Stage 3 beginning Thursday, June 6th.
