Bet on Overwatch League 2026

Dive into the thrilling world of esports! Overwatch League (OWL), launched by Blizzard Entertainment in 2018, showcases top teams globally. Initially featuring 12 teams, OWL expanded to 20, driven by Overwatch's massive popularity – boasting 50 million players in 2018. Ready to experience the excitement? Compare top esports platforms and find the perfect fit for your gaming passion.

With player salaries starting at $50,000 plus benefits like retirement, health insurance, and dedicated training facilities, OWL ensures fair compensation. Teams also distribute a minimum of 50% of revenue to players as bonuses, with champions receiving at least $1 million in the first season. Though plans for a Chicago-based team, potentially involving Wes Edens (Milwaukee Bucks co-owner), didn't materialize, the league remains a major force in esports. Explore your options and get in on the action!

Liam Fletcher
Published by: Liam Fletcher
Last updated:16.01.2026

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About Overwatch

Overwatch entered the market in 2016, as a multiplayer team shooter game, which Blizzard Entertainment created and published. The game assigns each player to one of two teams. Each team has six players from the game’s list of characters or “heroes.” Each hero joins the game with distinct abilities, which help the team to finish objectives on the map.

Players start at endorsement level 1, progressing to level 5. With every endorsement, the player’s endorsement level is impacted. If a player doesn’t receive additional endorsements, his level may decrease. Punishments in the game’s reporting system may also strip a player of his endorsements.

Rewards

Players may receive Loot Boxes, depending on the endorsement level. Higher levels result in a higher number of Loot Boxes awarded. After a player accomplishes a feat or exhibits talent, the game will unlock the badge of honor. A breakdown of all trophies is available in the main menu’s career overview section. Players may share these achievements with friends. During the game, a player gains higher levels and unlocks options for customizing the hero’s sound and look. Customizing the character is also accessible in the main menu in the Hero Gallery.

Loot

Loot Boxes also offer options for customization. A player unlocks a box at each level up. Gamers also obtain credits to use to buy more customizing options. A player receives a Portrait Frame at each 10th level, until he has earned all of them.

Community

Overwatch’s once vibrant, prolific community has dwindled in recent years. Still, with nearly 7 million players a month in 2022, the game is still alive and attracting worldwide participation at online esports betting sites. With most players active on social media, the game is still declining from 50 million in 2018 to recent numbers. Although most games experience a drop in player participation from year to year, Overwatch’s dramatic player decline doesn’t bode well for the future. Some experts peg the game’s drop in gamers with the lack of new content and updates. For South African players still enjoying the game, this trend is concerning.

Compared to the gamer participation on League of Legends, Fornite, and other popular games, Overwatch’s 6 million players are a drop in the bucket. This includes a small fraction of South African players. These online games report robust player counts, which leaves Overwatch behind the expanding esports market and the best esports tournaments.