LAS VEGAS – Rogue, Las Vegas’ professional eSports organization, has broken up its championship Overwatch team after being denied a spot in Season One of Activision/Blizzard’s Overwatch League.
“We are disappointed to announce that Rogue has broken up our current Overwatch roster, so that our players can pursue options to play in Season One in the Overwatch League,” said Frank Villarreal, Rogue owner and co-founder. “These players have represented Rogue in outstanding fashion and as a consequence have become the most accomplished Overwatch team in the game’s history. We wish them the best of luck competing in the inaugural season of the league and look forward to building another squad that will make Rogue a formidable competitor in Season Two.”
Some of the players’ contracts have already been bought out and they have joined the rosters of other teams that will compete in Season One of Overwatch League. Others are in open talks with Overwatch League and Contender teams so that they can continue their careers as professional eSports players.
This dissolution comes after the announcement that Rogue did not make the final cut for Season One, despite having secured the required buy-in fee, meeting all league requirements and completing the full application process.
As a group, Rogue’s Overwatch team has won 13 championships and had significant first place finishes to its credit this year, including wins at the BEAT Invitational, Overwatch PIT Championship and Takeover 2. They depart Rogue boasting an unprecedented 125-34 record.
“While we are disappointed with Blizzard’s decision to pass on our team for Season One, we’re incredibly confident that this won’t be the last Rogue Overwatch team,” said Steve Aoki, Rogue co-owner and world-renowned producer/DJ.
Rogue partnered with eSports infrastructure company ReKTGlobal to broker the buyouts and trade deals for the players. ReKTGlobal also helped Rogue secure the league buy-in funds during the application process.
“It’s unfortunate to lose these players, but we haven’t lost focus,” said Derek Nelson, Rogue CEO and co-founder. “We’re in discussions with professional sports teams and you can count on us going after a Season Two slot.”
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About Rogue
Founded in 2016, Rogue is a professional Las Vegas-based esports organization with teams in, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Call of Duty, H1Z1, Vainglory, Rocket League, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, Rainbow 6 Siege and Injustice 2. Since Rogue’s inception, they have become a globally recognized group with countless championship wins. Their extensive list of accolades including the number one Overwatch team in the world, facing off in the most watched Overwatch match of all time and winning the largest Overwatch prize pool of all-time. The organization is owned and operated by eSports veteran Franklin Villarreal, Derek Nelson, Carson Knuth, and world-renowned musician and DJ Steve Aoki. For more information, please visit rogue.gg and follow on Facebook and Twitter.
