ASU Esports: Overwatch team looks to defy expectations in 2020-21

(Photo: “Marci”)

The ASU Overwatch team came into this season hoping to start a rebuild. That has quickly changed, as the 2020-21 team has made a run to become one of the best collegiate Overwatch teams in the country.

But the path to this point was not easy.

The destruction of the 2020 team came early, when head coach “Obasil” was fired after accusations arose that he broke the rules in ANDBOX’s Spring Rally in April 2020. The situation, described by ASU Esports VP and Overwatch Manager “Marci”, was complicated.

The team agreed with their opponents that “Obasil” could talk during the match, but when other teams in the tournament found out about the ruling, they were furious, and “Obasil” was let go from his position. The team was forced to forfeit half of their earnings from the tournament as a result.

As for the players, the only returning players from the squad are Flex Support “Bucky” and Hitscan DPS and team captain “Butternut”, who were both substitutes for the team last season.

The rest of the roster has either graduated or retired from the Overwatch team.

Even though hardly any experience is found with this year’s squad, “Butternut” believes they have enough leadership and experience to be successful.

Main Tank “IllegalPanda” and Main Support “Moiety” both have experience in the tier two and three scenes of professional Overwatch, with “IllegalPanda” playing for the organization “Golden Guns.”

“Butternut”, “Marci”, and ASU Overwatch Manager “TAB” all agreed that the team morale this year is higher than it’s ever been, and everyone is hungry to improve.

Inexperience from ASU’s group is still the talk among the nation though. Several schools inside the TESPA tournament have openly stated that this year’s ASU team should not rival past teams due to lesser talent.

That expectation has quickly evaporated as the team has performed well in scrimmages and is currently in the Round of 32 for the TESPA Preseason Split #1. It’s come from a product of coordination and team play that has rivaled elite collegiate teams around the country.

When asked about expectations, “Butternut” stated that he has none for this. He feels that as long as the team gives 100 percent of their effort into the team, he will not be disappointed with any outcome.

“I’ve never seen an ASU Overwatch team with so much potential and so much promise,” “Marci” said.

She also believes that the team can become one of the best teams in the organization’s history, and can carry the success into future years with five out of the six starters being underclassmen.

“TAB”, when comparing this year’s team to past teams, added: “Past teams have had high skill and low ambition. This year we have high skill and quite a bit more ambition.”

Now, the team’s goal is to go beyond the Round of 32 and try to reach the quarterfinals of the TESPA tournament and earn their place amongst the best in the country.

“Butternut” has higher expectations, though. His hope is that he can bring a national title to the club before he leaves ASU.

But there’s a worry if the team can stay together. Collegiate Esports players can have professional opportunities brought to them, resulting in the departure from their university team. Former ASU League of Legends player “Breezyyy” left to play for the professional organization 100 Thieves Academy in December of 2019.

For now, the focus is on simply bringing success to ASU Overwatch.

“We have a lot of excitement for this year and for this season, and we have a lot of excitement for the team we put together and seeing how far we can go,” “Butternut” said.