Overwatch League Commissioner Nate Nanzer has announced that he will be leaving Activision Blizzard in the middle of the Overwatch League’s (OWL) second season.
ESPN has confirmed that Nanzer will be joining Epic Games and will take the lead on Fortnite’s fledgeling esports scene. Epic has come under fire for their running of Fornite esports despite providing huge prize-pools.
SEE ALSO: Fortnite World Cup details revealed with $30 million prize pool
Hey Overwatch League family. I wanted to share that soon I will be leaving Blizzard for a new opportunity. This has been the toughest decision of my life, because it means I won’t get to work with the best staff, players, teams, owners, partners, and fans in esports anymore. 1/4
— Nate Nanzer (@natenanzer) May 25, 2019
The departure comes at a critical time for OWL as it looks to change where their games are played with home and away games, similar to more traditional sports leagues. Nanzer was announced as the League Commissioner in early 2017 and has since been the face for any important announcements and rulings regarding the tournament or player sanctions.
SEE ALSO: The Overwatch League is heading on the road for 2020
Nanzer assured that the League was in good hands, stating: “it’s been awesome to be our public face, but too many overestimate my role in making the league great.
“It isn’t about me; it’s never been. It’s about all of you. That’s why I’m confident the league is in great hands. I can’t wait to see where the team takes the Overwatch League in 2020.”
Esports Insider says: This is a significant change to the Overwatch League that comes as the league undergoes a major structural change. While Activision Blizzard has over half a year before they begin the third season, there will no doubt be some concerns as the second season wraps up. With Nate Nanzer joining Epic, we should also see some sweeping changes coming to the Fortnite World Cup in the coming years.