Bet on Overwatch League 2026

Looking for top-rated esports action? The Overwatch League (OWL), launched by Blizzard Entertainment in 2018, features teams from around the globe. With the popularity of Overwatch, an esports game boasting 50 million players in 2018, the league quickly gained momentum. Find the best odds and latest news for all OWL matches here.

Starting salaries for players were $50,000 (minimum 1-year contract), including retirement, health insurance, housing, and practice venues. Teams also distributed a minimum of 50% of revenue to players through bonuses, with the league champions receiving a minimum $1 million bonus in the first season. While there were talks of a Chicago-based team, it didn't materialize. Stay updated on all esports developments with us.

Liam Fletcher
Published by: Liam Fletcher
Last updated:16.01.2026

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About Overwatch

Overwatch burst onto the scene in 2016 as a team-based multiplayer shooter developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment. The game pits players against each other in two teams of six, with each player selecting from a roster of unique characters, or "heroes." Every hero comes with distinct abilities that are crucial for achieving objectives on the game's maps.

Players begin at endorsement level 1 and can progress up to level 5. Your endorsement level is influenced by the endorsements you receive from other players. If you stop getting endorsed, your level might decrease. Disciplinary actions through the game's reporting system can also lead to a loss of endorsements.

Rewards

Depending on your endorsement level, you might earn Loot Boxes, with higher levels granting a greater number of these rewards. When a player achieves something noteworthy or displays exceptional skill, a badge of honour is unlocked. You can view a full list of all trophies in the career overview section of the main menu. These achievements can be shared with friends. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock more customisation options for your hero's appearance and sounds. The Hero Gallery in the main menu also provides access to character customisation.

Loot

Loot Boxes also contain customisation options. You'll unlock a box every time you level up. Players also acquire credits that can be used to purchase additional customisation items. Upon reaching every 10th level, you'll receive a Portrait Frame, until you've collected them all.

Community

While Overwatch's once thriving community has seen a decline in recent years, it still maintains a presence, attracting nearly 7 million monthly players in 2022 and participating in online esports betting sites. Despite a significant drop from its peak of 50 million players in 2018, and with most players active on social media, the game continues to draw a global audience. While many games experience year-on-year player drops, Overwatch's sharp decline is a cause for concern. Some industry observers attribute this decrease to a lack of new content and updates.

Compared to the player counts of giants like League of Legends and Fortnite, Overwatch's 6 million players seem comparatively small. These other online titles boast massive player bases, leaving Overwatch trailing in the rapidly expanding esports market and the best esports tournaments available to New Zealand players.