Overwatch Champions Series Takes Anti-Crypto Stance
A new competitive league for the popular hero shooter Overwatch 2, called the Overwatch Champions Series, has been revealed. The league, overseen by esports tournament operator ESL FACEIT Group, has implemented restrictions on team sponsors. According to the official rulebook, teams participating in the league are not allowed to have sponsors associated with cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency exchanges, NFTs, and artificial intelligence/machine learning.
The decision to ban crypto-related sponsors comes at a time when the esports and cryptocurrency industries have become closely intertwined. In recent years, crypto companies have provided valuable sponsorships to teams and leagues. However, with the collapse of FTX in late 2022 and a down market in 2023, such deals have become less common.
Hot Take: The Shift Away from Crypto Sponsorships in Esports
The Overwatch Champions Series’ anti-crypto stance reflects a growing trend of esports organizations distancing themselves from cryptocurrency-related sponsorships. While these sponsorships were prevalent in the past, economic struggles and market downturns have led to hesitance among esports firms. This shift raises questions about the future of crypto involvement in esports and whether other leagues will follow suit in implementing similar restrictions.
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