Overwatch 2 Team Owner Criticizes Blizzard for Wasting Esports Potential

Adam Adamou, the former owner of the Toronto Defiant Overwatch 2 team, recently articulated the reasons behind the organization’s decision to step back from the competitive esports scene. His critical view on Blizzard’s management of esports highlights what he sees as a squandered opportunity for the game’s potential growth.

In a January 10 interview with seasoned Overwatch caster AVRL, Adamou expressed his reasons for not re-entering the Overwatch World Championship Series (OWCS) in 2025. Despite a fruitful year, boasting four first-place finishes and a commendable third in the World Finals, the Defiant will not compete in the upcoming season.

Concerns Over Blizzard’s Approach to Esports

One of the core reasons for the Toronto Defiant’s exit relates to Blizzard’s cautious approach. Adamou believes that while Overwatch has significant potential to thrive in the esports arena, it suffers from inadequate support and investment from Blizzard and Team 4.

Specifically, the team opted out of the new OWCS Team Partner Program, which includes profit-sharing from in-game cosmetics. Adamou argued that these digital assets represent a critical revenue stream for teams like his, coupled with traditional sponsorship funding.

Adamou shared that a lack of adequate value in sponsorship offerings was also a significant factor, remarking, “the assets that [we] were able to deliver [for our sponsorships] were insufficient.” He emphasized the importance of a strong financial framework for esports teams, which currently seems lacking.

“In contrast, [Riot Games] and Activision with regard to Call of Duty have demonstrated a greater readiness to support the ecosystem,” he noted. Adamou observed that while Overwatch is trying to progress, it’s doing so at a sluggish pace that leads to uncertainty for teams.

Moving Towards a Sustainable Esports Future

Adamou contends that for Overwatch to emerge as a premier esports title alongside competitors like League of Legends and Counter-Strike, increased investment is essential. He expressed disappointment at the current hesitance from Blizzard.

“I think at this point, they’re unsure,” he stated, pointing out that Team 4 is part of a vast entity yet remains tentative in committing substantial resources. This indecision inevitably places the onus on the teams competing for survival and success.

Adamou also stressed the need for Blizzard to clarify financial structures within their Team Partner Program. The lack of transparency regarding revenue sharing has raised concerns: “It’s not clear to me whether you’re sharing $500,000 across nine teams, which would obviously be very low per team.”

For the Toronto Defiant to consider a return in 2026, Adamou hopes for a more robust commitment from Blizzard in terms of investment that directly benefits teams. “The burden falls on [teams] that take the risk,” he emphasized, arguing it is not their responsibility to financially support a trillion-dollar corporation.

Despite these criticisms, Adamou recognizes that the revenue share initiative is a positive move and reflects Blizzard’s intention to invest in esports. The revival of team skins indicates some level of commitment to nurturing the competitive landscape of Overwatch.

For a deeper dive into Adamou’s insights and the state of Overwatch esports, listen to the full interview here.