The Overwatch League (OWL) and Blizzard’s self made Tier 1 scene came to a close with the crowning of its 6th and final Champions, the Florida Mayhem. Transitioning to Overwatch 2 with the game’s release, OWL became more an Overwatch 2 League.

Season 6’s Grand Finals saw the Toronto crowd watch Florida Mayhem hoist the trophy for the very first time. They join the London Spitfire (2018), San Fransisco Shock (2019/20), Shanghai Dragons (2021) and Dallas Fuel (2022) in the hall of fame. They, alongside the latter 3 teams, finished 2018’s league in the bottom 4 positions. Now, they round out the best of the best in the longstanding Overwatch 2 League.

Overwatch 2 League May Not Return

Source: Florida Mayhem

Despite the fantastic storyline and nailbiter ending, OWL’s 6th Season ending was bittersweet.

Amidst layoffs of the esports staff and the team owners set to vote on their continued commitment to the league, the asterisk that loomed over this sixth season was that it would likely be the last. The league has struggled to remain profitable, even with waived franchise fees, team owners and the league itself bled money season after season. Its original globe-trotting plans cut short by Covid-19.

The cracks continued to show in January, when Blizzard’s failure to negotiate a new licensing agreement with NetEase saw its titles pulled from China. As a result, the Chengdu Hunters did not return to the OWL.

Source: Overwatch League

However, as things currently stand, there has been no official announcement of closure.

Mayhem, in addition to their Grand Finals win, also claimed both MVP slots and Coach of the Year. Tank player, Jeong-Wan “Someone” Ham was named Season MVP and the 2023 Dennis Hawelka Award. Grand Finals MVP was awarded to Tae-Min “Mer1t” Choi. Rounding out the trio was coach Jordan “Gunba” Graham, who, with assistant coach Caleb “McGravy” McGarvey joined the Mayhem as part of their 2022 restructure and shift to an all Korean roster.

OWL may not return for a 7th Season. If so – as one fan sign said in the crowd: “Thanks for the Memories”