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Best OWL Players - Unveiling The Legends Of Overwatch League

The Overwatch League (OWL) is a professional esports league dedicated to the popular video game Overwatch, developed by Blizzard Entertainment. Given the abundance of incredible talent within the OWL, it is worthwhile to take a moment to reflect on the achievements of the best OWL players in the league's history.

Author:David Mitchell
Reviewer:Daniel Clark
Jul 27, 202310.2K Shares176.4K Views
The Overwatch League (OWL) is a professional esports league dedicated to the popular video game Overwatch, developed by Blizzard Entertainment. Launched in 2016, the inaugural season of the league took place in 2018, featuring a substantial prize pool of US$3.5 million that was distributed among participating clubs.
Unlike other esports and non-North American leagues, the Overwatch League follows a structure similar to traditional North American professional athletic leagues. It consists of permanent, city-based teams supported by independent ownership groups.
Given the abundance of incredible talent within the OWL, it is worthwhile to take a moment to reflect on the achievements of the best OWL playersin the league's history.

The Origins Of The Overwatch League

The Overwatch League (OWL) was established by Blizzard Entertainment in November 2016 as a premier esports league centered around the popular team-based shooter game, Overwatch. Following a city-based franchise model, the league aimed to create a sustainable ecosystem that mirrored traditional sports, fostering regional pride and fan engagement. The inaugural season took place in 2018 with 12 teams representing major cities worldwide, adopting a regular season and playoff structure leading to a grand finals event.
Despite initial challenges, such as logistical complexities and revenue generation, the Overwatch League made a significant impact on the esports industry. Its focus on professionalism, production quality, and player welfare set a new standard for esports leagues. The league's success contributed to the growth of esports as a mainstream form of entertainment, attracting a wider audience and bridging the gap between gaming and mainstream media.
As the Overwatch League continues to evolve, it expands its team roster and refines its competitive structure. With each passing season, the league solidifies its position as a pioneer in the industry, shaping the future of competitive gaming and captivating audiences worldwide.

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Understanding OWL Player Rankings

Evaluating player rankings in the Overwatch League (OWL) is a complex task that involves analyzing multiple factors and performancemetrics. Factors such as mechanical skill, game sense, communication, teamwork, flexibility, and consistency all play a role in determining a player's rank.
Mechanical skill refers to precise movements and actions, while game sense involves understanding the game's dynamics. Communication, teamwork, flexibility, and consistency are also crucial for success.
Statistical analysis is a significant aspect of player evaluation in the OWL. Metrics like damage per minute, healing per 10 minutes, final blows, objective time, and objective kills are used to measure player contributions.
Advanced statistics such as ult economy management, deaths per 10 minutes, and hero synergy provide deeper insights into player performance. These measures help compare playersacross heroes and roles and assess their impact on matches.
Different roles in the OWL, such as DPS, Tank, and Support, require unique skillsand strategies. DPS players focus on damage and eliminations, tanks create space and initiate fights, and supports focus on healing and utility. Evaluating players within their roles is crucial for accurate rankings as each role contributes differently to the team's performance.
Understanding role specializations, strategies, and the ability to adapt to metagame shifts and synergize with teammates are important when assessing OWL player rankings. By considering factors like mechanical skill, game sense, communication, teamwork, flexibility, consistency, statistical analysis, and role specializations, OWL player rankings aim to identify individuals who consistently demonstrate exceptional skill and contribute significantly to their team's success in the Overwatch League.

Top 6 Best OWL Players Of All Time

The Overwatch League (OWL) may be a relatively young league, but since its establishment in 2018, it has quickly risen to become one of the most popular esports platforms. Numerous players have graced the OWL stage during its brief existence, and a select few have cemented their status as the greatest players of all time, each renowned for their unique playing styles. Here are the top six players in the history of the Overwatch League:

Kim “Fleta” Byung-sun

Kim “Fleta” Byung-sun wearing a gaming headset while looking at a desktop screen
Kim “Fleta” Byung-sun wearing a gaming headset while looking at a desktop screen
Fleta's prowess as a player is epitomized by the existence of a statistic named after him, showcasing his exceptional skill. The "Fleta Deadlift," coined in recognition of his outstanding performances, occurs when a player secures 50 percent or more of their team's final blows.
Unfortunately, Fleta's remarkable play on the original Seoul Dynasty often went unrewarded, leaving fans yearning for him to be part of a stronger team. Their wishes came true when he joined the Shanghai Dragons and played a pivotal role in establishing their dynasty.
Transitioning from a role star to the 2020 MVP, Fleta has amassed an impressive collection of eight different titles, including stage championships and the coveted 2021 championship. His unparalleled flexibility is widely regarded as one of the best in the league, to the extent that the phrase "Fleta is the meta" consistently holds true. In a surprising turn of events during the off-season, he made the switch to the tank position for the Shanghai Dragons, commencing from the 2023 season.

Park “Profit” Joon-yeong

Park “Profit” Joon-yeong wearing a gaming headset with a big smile
Park “Profit” Joon-yeong wearing a gaming headset with a big smile
These two players are closely matched in their exceptional careers, with a notable presence since the inaugural season. However, Profit holds the distinction of being the first to ascend to the pinnacle, contributing to the London Spitfire's triumph as the inaugural champions.
His mastery of heroes like Tracer, Genji, and Hanzo has led to some of the most remarkable moments in Overwatch history. Among them, his 4k Pulse Bomb on Volskaya stands out as one of the most clutch plays ever witnessed, earning him the playoff MVP title during the triumphant 2018 championship campaign.
Profit has experienced significant success both early in his career and more recently, with appearances in the Grand Finals of 2020 and a victory in the Kickoff Clash of 2022. Nevertheless, his unwavering consistency as one of the game's premier DPS players has remained a hallmark since his debut.

Jae-hee “Gesture” Hong

Jae-hee “Gesture” Hong wearing a gaming headset with two thumbs up
Jae-hee “Gesture” Hong wearing a gaming headset with two thumbs up
Jae-hee "Gesture" Hong stands as one of the most exceptional tank players in the history of Overwatch. His journey began alongside Profit with GC Busan, where they forged a formidable partnership and led the team to victory over established powerhouses like Cloud9 KongDoo and Lunatic Hai, culminating in a first-place finish in APEX Season 4. After the acquisition of GC Busan by the London Spitfire, Gesture swiftly garnered attention for his exceptional Winston play, showcasing his prowess on various heroes.
Competing under the banner of the London Spitfire, Gesture continued to make his mark before eventually joining the Seoul Dynasty in 2020. During his time with Seoul Dynasty, he propelled the team to a second-place finish in the Overwatch League 2020 Playoffs-Grand Finals. In recent years, Gesture has transitioned into the coaching realm, sharing his wealth of knowledge and expertise as he guides and mentors players on the New York Excelsior.
Gesture's impact and contribution to the game extend beyond his stellar playing career, leaving a lasting legacy in both his exceptional gameplay and his coaching endeavors.

Kim “Proper” Dong-hyun

Kim “Proper” Dong-hyun wearing a black gaming headset during an Overwatch League competition
Kim “Proper” Dong-hyun wearing a black gaming headset during an Overwatch League competition
Among the recent surge of talent in the Overwatch League, Proper stands out as the most exceptional player. Making history as the only player to win Rookie of the Year, Role Star, and MVP in a single season, Proper has quickly ascended to the top-tier of the league. With remarkable achievements in both Korean Contenders and the Overwatch League, he has become a player feared by opponents despite being in the league for only one season.
While he hasn't yet clinched a championship title, Proper's impressive track record suggests that it's only a matter of time before he does. His three second-place finishes in a single season demonstrate his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, and he came tantalizingly close to securing the 2022 championship with just one map away from victory. At present, his remarkable flexibility and regional success place him slightly ahead of JJoNak in the rankings.
With his exceptional skill set and promising trajectory, Proper has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the Overwatch League, leaving fans eager to witness his continued success in the seasons to come.

Bang “JJoNak” Sung-hyeon

Bang “JJoNak” Sung-hyeon wearing his team's t-shirt with a smile
Bang “JJoNak” Sung-hyeon wearing his team's t-shirt with a smile
JJoNak's exceptional performance and lasting impact on team success make it difficult to exclude him from the list of top five Overwatch players. Despite his limited LAN experience before joining the Overwatch League (OWL), JJoNak swiftly established himself as the premier support player in 2018.
During a meta where Mercy and Zenyatta played crucial roles, JJoNak stood out as the unrivaled Zenyatta prodigy. He set the standard for aspiring players, earning him the distinction of being the first-ever recipient of the Overwatch League MVP award. It wasn't a one-season fluke either, as JJoNak continued to impress with a formidable showing in the 2019 season. His consistent excellence solidified his reputation as an Overwatch icon.

Dong-gyu "Mano" Kim

Dong-gyu "Mano" Kim wearing a blue headset during an Overwatch League game
Dong-gyu "Mano" Kim wearing a blue headset during an Overwatch League game
Dong-gyu "Mano" Kim stands out as one of the most remarkable tank players in the world of Overwatch, often seen playing alongside his fellow player, Miro. He made his mark on the international stage when he was selected to represent Team South Korea in the 2017 Overwatch World Cup, contributing to their first-place finish.
In the inaugural season of the Overwatch League, Mano joined the New York Excelsior, where his exceptional frontline play became a cornerstone of the team's success. With his remarkable skills and contributions, he played a pivotal role in numerous victories for the Excelsior. After several fruitful years with New York, Mano made the transition to compete for the Philadelphia Fusion, showcasing his expertise on the battlefield. However, he has recently stepped away from competitive play to fulfill his mandatory military service in South Korea.
Mano's talent and impact as a tank player have left an indelible impression on the Overwatch community. His journey, from international competition to his tenure with top-tier teams, exemplifies his dedication and skill in the game. Fans eagerly await his return to the competitive scene following his military service, anticipating more awe-inspiring performances from this exceptional player.

People Also Ask

Who Is The Best Player In Overwatch League?

Kim “Fleta” Byung-sun is the best owl player. There's a good case to be made that Fleta is the greatest Overwatch player ever. With his Pharah play, he controlled the meta, dominated on Genji, and won the global title on Echo in 2021. Fleta is a key player for the Shanghai Dragons, who have a deep squad.

Do OWL Players Get Paid?

The median player salary was $92K, up more than $10K from 2019. The league minimum player salary remains $50K plus benefits. Players also collectively received a minimum of 50% of the total prize pool awarded to their teams during the season.

What Is The Fastest OWL Match?

2020 has been quite a year for records, as the time for the fastest match in OWL history keeps getting broken little by little. This time, however, San Francisco Shock SMASH the previously set records by an astounding 3 minutes and 10 seconds against the Vancouver Titans.

What Player Has The Most Overwatch World Cup Wins?

Only four Overwatch World Cups have been held thus far: in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. The World Cup has only been won by two teams: Team South Korea and Team United States. The first three championships were won by South Korea, but the most recent one was won by Team USA. Ryujehong has the most Overwatch World Cup victories, with two victories with South Korea in 2016 and 2017.

Conclusion

The Overwatch League (OWL) has showcased some of the best OWL players in the world. These individuals have consistently demonstrated their exceptional skills, strategic thinking, and teamwork, making them stand out among their peers.
Their dedication to the game, countless hours of practice, and unwavering commitment to their teams have earned them the recognition as the best OWL players. Their performances have captivated audiences, inspired aspiring players, and set new benchmarks for excellence within the competitive Overwatch community.
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David Mitchell

David Mitchell

Author
David Mitchell is a versatile writer at Tennessee Independent, specializing in news, sports, and player profiles. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, David brings a unique perspective to his articles, covering a wide range of topics that resonate with readers. His expertise in these areas ensures that readers receive insightful and engaging content, making him a valuable asset to the Tennessee Independent team.
Daniel Clark

Daniel Clark

Reviewer
Daniel Clark is an experienced author at Tennessee Independent, renowned for delivering insightful articles with a professional approach. With a focus on factual accuracy and authoritative insights, Daniel covers a wide range of topics, providing valuable information and engaging narratives. His expertise in areas such as performance, player profiles, and current events ensures that readers receive trustworthy and informative content. Daniel's commitment to delivering well-researched articles makes him a reliable source for expert perspectives on Tennessee Independent.
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