Does Sentinels Own an Overwatch Team? Unpacking the Esports Organization’s History
The answer is no, Sentinels does not currently own an Overwatch team. While they have a history with the Overwatch League (OWL) through their past affiliation with the Los Angeles Gladiators, their ownership stake ended in 2019. This separation occurred following a legal dispute and restructuring within the organization, leading to a clear split in ownership. Let’s delve into the details of Sentinels’ history, their previous connection to the Overwatch League, and explore some related questions surrounding the esports scene.
Sentinels’ Past Connection to the Overwatch League
Sentinels, previously known as Phoenix1 in the League of Legends scene, had a more complex start in esports than some may realize. Initially, they were involved with the Los Angeles Gladiators through a partnership with KSE (Kroenke Sports & Entertainment). However, this arrangement was not without its challenges.
The Split From KSE and the Gladiators
In August 2019, a significant legal battle arose when Sentinels co-founder and CEO Rob Moore filed a lawsuit against KSE. Moore alleged that KSE had acquired the esports organization Echo Fox without his knowledge or consent. This breach of trust led to a significant restructuring. As a result of the lawsuit and subsequent fallout, Sentinels separated from KSE, with the latter becoming the sole owner of the Los Angeles Gladiators. This means that while Sentinels once had a connection to the Overwatch League, they are no longer affiliated with any OWL franchise.
Sentinels’ Focus Shift
Following their separation from KSE and the Gladiators, Sentinels redirected their focus toward other esports titles. They are now most prominently recognized for their presence in games like Valorant, where they have become a prominent North American organization with a dedicated fanbase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic and to clear up some common points of confusion, we’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
1. Who owns the Los Angeles Gladiators now?
Following the split with Sentinels, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) is the sole owner of the Los Angeles Gladiators. This entity owns numerous professional sports teams, including the LA Rams and Denver Nuggets.
2. What Overwatch League teams are owned by other esports organizations?
Several well-known esports organizations own teams in the Overwatch League. Here are some examples:
- Cloud9 owns the London Spitfire.
- OpTic Gaming owns the Dallas Fuel.
- Misfits Gaming Group owns the Florida Mayhem.
- T1 Entertainment & Sports operates an Overwatch Contenders team (not OWL).
3. Who owns the Overwatch franchise itself?
Overwatch is owned by Blizzard Entertainment, who are also the developers of the game. They released Overwatch in 2016 and Overwatch 2 in 2022.
4. How has Sentinels performed in Valorant recently?
Sentinels had a disappointing 2023 season in the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT). They were eliminated in the VCT Americas LCQ after losing to Leviatán, ending their 2023 competitive run. The team’s recent performance has led to some discussion about their approach to team building and competition.
5. What are some of the reasons behind Sentinels’ struggles in Valorant?
One frequently cited reason for Sentinels’ struggles in Valorant is a lack of training and a shift toward seeing esports as primarily a business rather than a competitive endeavor. Some argue that their competitors maintain a stronger focus on competitive excellence.
6. Why was ShahZaM removed from the Sentinels roster?
American professional player ShahZaM claimed that Sentinels lied to him, failing to keep their promise to include him in the partner league roster. This highlights concerns about player management within the organization.
7. Why was SicK suspended from Sentinels?
Hunter “SicK” Mims was suspended due to erratic behavior, including an arrest for criminal trespassing after an incident at a Ferrari showroom. This incident led to his suspension and a short period of incarceration.
8. Who is Rob Moore, the CEO of Sentinels?
Rob Moore is the co-founder and CEO of Sentinels. He is an investor in esports and is the former Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures, a major Hollywood film and television production company.
9. Why are Sentinels considered popular?
Sentinels are a rapidly growing esports organization in North America, known for connecting with passionate fans through engaging original content. Their focus is on building competitive teams while growing their fanbase.
10. What happened to Sentinels in the recent VCT competition?
Sentinels lost to Fnatic in the VCT, resulting in their elimination from the tournament. The single-elimination format meant they were unable to continue after this loss.
11. What is the history of Overwatch 1 sales?
Overwatch 1 sold 50 million copies, which demonstrated its significant success and impact on the hero shooter genre prior to the release of Overwatch 2.
12. Who were the original founders of Overwatch?
The original members of Overwatch were Soldier 76 (Jack Morrison), Reaper (Gabriel Reyes), Reinhardt Wilhelm, Torbjorn Lindhorn, Ana Amari, and Mina Liao. Mina Liao is represented in the game by her AI creation, Echo.
13. Who is Necros in the Overwatch scene?
Vladan “Necros” Konstantinov is a Serbian Overwatch player currently playing for the team AWW YEAH. He is known for his Genji gameplay. He has been banned for disruptive gameplay in the past while playing an alternative account.
14. What do “OG” Overwatch players receive in Overwatch 2?
Original Overwatch players can gain access to the Overwatch 2 Founder’s Pack, which unlocks exclusive skins and new heroes. However, not all players of the original game qualify, and there are time limits to claim it.
15. Which team won the first Overwatch League Grand Finals?
The London Spitfire won the inaugural Overwatch League Grand Finals, defeating their competitors to take home a prize of $1,000,000.
Conclusion
In summary, while Sentinels had a brief association with the Los Angeles Gladiators in the past, they do not currently own an Overwatch team. Their focus has shifted toward other esports titles, primarily Valorant. Understanding the complex history and restructuring within Sentinels, including their separation from KSE, is essential to clarify their current position within the esports landscape. This separation is a key point in understanding why Sentinels is not an Overwatch League team owner today. By exploring these FAQs, we’ve provided a more comprehensive look into the esports landscape and Sentinels’ place within it.