Overwatch League’s second commissioner steps down according to report

The Overwatch League’s second straight commissioner, Pete Vlastelica, is stepping down after just one season with the league according to a new report.

According to The Esports Observer, sources claim that Vlastelica, who replaced Nate Nanzer in 2019 will be stepping down from his position.

However, Vlastelica will remain President and CEO of Activision Blizzard Esports, a title he continued to hold throughout his time as Overwatch League Commissioner.

OWL’s first commissioner, Nate Nanzer, left the league in 2019 to join Epic Games and help grow Fortnite’s competitive scene.

The Esports Observer’s sources didn’t provide any additional information, and it’s unclear who will be in line to replace him.

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However, the league confirmed the report in statement: “Pete Vlastelica, CEO of Activision Blizzard Esports and Commissioner of the Overwatch League, will transition from his role in ABE to focus on new entrepreneurial ventures on behalf of Activision Blizzard, following the Overwatch League Grand Finals. He was instrumental in building the company’s esports business and driving the industry forward, and we thank Pete for his contributions and impact on our business over the last four years.”

The news comes days before the North American Overwatch League All-Stars event, and just one week before the Grand Finals weekend is set to kick off.

Unfortunately, the Overwatch League’s third season was heavily hindered by the ongoing global health crisis which put an end to the homestand events – something the league had been promoting hard in past years.

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Only a few homestand events ended up happening such as those in Dallas, Washington, New York and Philadelphia before the league switched to an online format for the remainder of the season.

None of the four Asian, two European or two Canadian teams have hosted a homestand event yet as a result.

As Dexerto previously reported, Activision is allowing CDL and OWL teams to skip franchise payments in 2020.

With uncertainty regarding the fourth season and anticipation mounting for Overwatch 2, it’s anyone’s guess as to how the league proceeds.

Aside from issues facing the league outside of its control, Riot Games’ tactical FPS Valorant has resonated highly with many Overwatch pros. The 2020 season saw major names such as 2019 MVP Sinatraa retire from Overwatch to pursue a new career competing in Valorant.