2020 Houston Outlaws season

Last updated
2020   Houston Outlaws season
Head coachHarsha Bandi
General managerMatt Rodriguez
Owner Beasley Media Group
Arena(s) Revention Music Center
ConferenceAtlantic
DivisionSouth
RegionNorth America
Results
Record6–15 (.286)
Place
May Melee Knockouts
Summer Showdown Quarterfinals
Countdown Cup Knockouts
Season PlayoffsDid not qualify
Total Earnings$5,000

The 2020 Houston Outlaws season is the third season of the Houston Outlaws's existence in the Overwatch League (OWL). The Outlaws planned to host two homestand weekends at the Revention Music Center in Houston's downtown Theater District. [1] While their first homestand took place, all other homestand matches were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contents

The Outlaws failed to make it past the quarterfinals in each of the three midseason tournaments of the season. [2] [3] [4] Houston ended the season with a 6–15 record and were eliminated from postseason contention on September 3 after a 1–3 to the Boston Uprising in the North America play-ins tournament. [5]

Preceding offseason

Sale of the franchise

On June 12, 2019, Immortals Gaming Club (IGC), the parent company of Immortals and the Los Angeles Valiant, acquired Infinite Esports, the parent company of Houston Outlaws and OpTic Gaming, marking the first major sale of any Overwatch League franchise. [6] By OWL rules, one company may not own more than one OWL franchise; while Riot Games and Activision Blizzard approved the sale, IGC operated Valiant and Outlaws as entirely separate entities, with oversight by OWL representatives, until they sold the Outlaws. [7]

On November 14, 2019, Beasley Broadcast Group announced the acquisition of the Houston Outlaws from Immortals Gaming Club. The purchase marked the company's third esports venture. [8]

Organizational changes

In September 2019, the Outlaws released both head coach Kim "TaiRong" Tae-yeong and assistant coach Kim "Hyunwoo" Hyun-woo – both who had been in their positions since the team's inception in 2017 – after Houston's disappointing 2019 campaign. [9] The following month, Houston signed Harsha Bandi, the former assistant coach of the Vancouver Titans and former analyst of the San Francisco Shock. [10] Following, the team signed former Montreal Rebellion coach Chris "Dream" Myrick to their coaching staff. [11]

Roster changes

Free agents
RolePlayerContract
status		Date signed2020 team
HandleName
Damage ArhanWon-Hyeop JungFree agent––
Support BaniChristopher BenellFree agent––
Support BoinkDaniel PenceFree agentOctober 19Houston Outlaws [12]
Legend
  Re-signed/Retained by the Outlaws.
  Departed from the Outlaws.

The Outlaws enter the new season with three free agents, one player which they have the option to retain for another year, and six players under contract. [13] The OWL's deadline to exercise a team option is November 11, after which any players not retained will become a free agent. Free agency officially began on October 7. [14]

Acquisitions

The first signing for the 2020 season was on October 18, when the Outlaws signed DPS João Pedro "Hydration" Goes Telles, who had most recently played for the Los Angeles Gladiators. [15] Three days later, the team acquired DPS Jeffrey "blasé" Tsang from the Boston Uprising. [16] The following month, Houston picked up former Vancouver Titans flex support player Jung-geun "Rapel" Kim and former New York Excelsior flex tank Kim "MekO" Tae-hong. [17] [18] The team added former Seoul Dynasty support player Lee "Jecse" Seong-soo on January 2. [19]

Departures

On October 17, the Outlaws announced that they would not re-sign free agent DPS Jung "Arhan" Won-hyeop, who had been with the team since its inception in 2017. [20] The following month, on November 9, the team announced that they would also not re-sign main support Chris "Bani" Bennell. [21] On December 7, flex DPS Jake "Jake" Lyon announced that was retiring from professional Overwatch competition. [22] A month later, on January 14, off-tank player Matt "Coolmatt" Iorio retired as a player and moved to an organizational role with the Outlaws. [23]

Roster

2020 Houston Outlaws roster
PlayersCoaches
RoleNo.HandleNameNationality
Damage 6DantehCruz, DanteUnited States
Damage 49LiNkzrMasalin, JiriFinland
Damage 22blaséTsang, JeffreyUnited States
Tank 99HydrationGoes Telles, João PedroUnited States
Tank 17MumaWilmot, AustinUnited States
Tank 22MekOKim Tae-hongSouth Korea
Support 16RapelKim Jun-keunSouth Korea
Support 13BoinkPence, DanielUnited States
Support 20JecseLee Seung-sooSouth Korea
Head coach
  • Harsha Bandi
Legend:
  • (I) Inactive
  • (S) Suspended
  • (2W) Two-way player
  • Emojione BW 1F503.svg Substitute
  • Cruz Roja.svg Injury / Illness
  

Latest roster transaction: August 1, 2020.

Transactions

Transactions of/for players on the roster during the 2020 regular season:

Standings

2020 Overwatch League North America standings
#TeamConferenceWBWLPCTPMRMD
Playoffs
1 Philadelphia Fusion ATL1952.9052159–19–0 +40
2 San Francisco Shock PAC1873.8572156–17–2 +39
3 Paris Eternal ATL1546.7142150–31–0 +19
4 Florida Mayhem ATL1437.6672148–30–0 +18
5 Los Angeles Valiant PAC11110.5242141–41–0 ±0
Play-ins
6 Los Angeles Gladiators PAC11010.5242143–39–5 +4
7 Atlanta Reign ATL10011.4762143–35–0 +8
8 Dallas Fuel PAC9012.4292135–44–0 -9
9 Toronto Defiant ATL7114.3332132–48–0 -16
10 [lower-alpha 1] Houston Outlaws ATL6015.2862132–50–3 -18
11 [lower-alpha 1] Vancouver Titans PAC6015.2862123–48–0 -25
12 Washington Justice ATL4017.1902121–54–1 -33
13 Boston Uprising ATL2019.0952114–61–4 -47
Tiebreakers
  1. 1 2 Houston placed ahead of Vancouver based on map differential.

Game log

Regular season

2020 game log (Regular season record: 6–15)
February–April 4–7
1February 15 Florida Mayhem 3–0Houston Outlaws Philadelphia, PA
3:00 pm CST     The Met Philadelphia
Hosted by the Philadelphia Fusion
2 Busan 0
1 Havana 0
3 Eichenwalde 2
2February 16 Washington Justice 3–0Houston Outlaws Philadelphia, PA
3:00 pm CST     The Met Philadelphia
Hosted by the Philadelphia Fusion
2 Lijiang Tower 0
3 Junkertown 1
3 King's Row 2
3February 22 Boston Uprising 3–2Houston Outlaws Washington, DC
4:00 pm CST     The Anthem
Hosted by the Washington Justice
2 Ilios 0
2 Temple of Anubis 2
3 Dorado 1
3 Blizzard World 3
0 Oasis 2
1 Nepal 2
2 Lijiang Tower 0
4February 23 New York Excelsior 3–0Houston Outlaws Washington, DC
2:00 pm CST     The Anthem
Hosted by the Washington Justice
2 Ilios 0
2 Hanamura 1
3 Havana 0
5February 29 London Spitfire 3–2Houston Outlaws Houston, TX
6:00 pm CST     Revention Music Center
Hosted by the Houston Outlaws
2 Busan 0
2 Blizzard World 1
1 Temple of Anubis 2
2 Junkertown 3
2 Ilios 1
6March 01 Toronto Defiant 1–3Houston Outlaws Houston, TX
6:00 pm CST     Revention Music Center
Hosted by the Houston Outlaws
2 Nepal 1
3 King's Row 4
0 Horizon Lunar Colony 1
1 Dorado 2
7March 07 Paris Eternal 0–3Houston Outlaws Washington, DC
4:00 pm CST     The Anthem
Hosted by the Washington Justice
1 Oasis 2
0 Havana 1
1 Eichenwalde 2
8April 05Houston Outlaws1–3 Paris Eternal Online
8:00 pm UTC    
9April 11Houston Outlaws3–1 Boston Uprising Online
10:00 pm UTC    
10April 12Houston Outlaws3–2 Toronto Defiant Online
8:00 pm UTC    
11April 26Houston Outlaws2–3 Dallas Fuel Online
10:00 pm UTC    

May Melee qualifiers: 1–3
12May 02Houston Outlaws0–3 San Francisco Shock Online
11:00 pm UTC    
13May 09Houston Outlaws0–3 Atlanta Reign Online
11:00 pm UTC    
14May 16Houston Outlaws3–0 Vancouver Titans Online
7:00 pm UTC    

Summer Showdown qualifiers: 1–3
15June 14Houston Outlaws0–3 Philadelphia Fusion Online
7:00 pm UTC    
16June 20Houston Outlaws3–1 Los Angeles Gladiators Online
11:00 pm UTC    
17June 27Houston Outlaws2–3 Florida Mayhem Online
7:00 pm UTC    

Countdown Cup qualifiers: 0–4
18July 17Houston Outlaws2–3 Dallas Fuel Online
9:00 pm UTC    
19July 26Houston Outlaws1–3 Washington Justice Online
11:00 pm UTC    
20July 31Houston Outlaws2–3 Los Angeles Valiant Online
9:00 pm UTC    
21August 01Houston Outlaws0–3 San Francisco Shock Online
11:00 pm UTC    

Midseason tournaments

2020 midseason tournaments game log
May Melee: 0–1
KnockoutsMay 22Houston Outlaws1–3 Dallas Fuel Online
7:30 pm UTC    

Summer: 1–1
KnockoutsJuly 03Houston Outlaws3–1 Florida Mayhem Online
9:00 pm UTC    
QuarterfinalsJuly 05Houston Outlaws0–3 Philadelphia Fusion Online
1:00 am UTC    

Countdown Cup: 0–1
KnockoutsAugust 07Houston Outlaws0–3 Los Angeles Valiant Online
9:00 pm UTC    

Bonus wins awarded: 0

Postseason

2020 playoff game log
North America Play-ins: 0–1
Round 1September 03Houston Outlaws1–3 Boston Uprising Online
7:00 pm UTC    

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Houston Outlaws</span> American professional esports team

The Houston Outlaws are an American professional Overwatch esports team based in Houston, Texas. The Outlaws compete in the Overwatch League (OWL) as a member of the league's West region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toronto Defiant</span> Canadian professional esports team

Toronto Defiant is a Canadian professional Overwatch esports team based in Toronto, Ontario. The Defiant compete in the Overwatch League (OWL) and are a member of the league's West region. Founded in 2018, Toronto began play as one of eight expansion teams in 2019 and is one of two professional Overwatch teams based in Canada. The team is owned by OverActive Media, who also owned the Montreal Rebellion, a former academy team for the Defiant that competed in Overwatch Contenders (OWC).

The 2019 Houston Outlaws season was the second season of the Houston Outlaws's existence in the Overwatch League (OWL) and their second under head coach Tae-yeong Kim. After finishing 22–18 the previous season, the Outlaws were looking to improve on their record and qualify for the season playoffs for the first time.

The 2020 Atlanta Reign season was the second season of the Atlanta Reign's existence in the Overwatch League and the team's second under head coach Brad "Sephy" Rajani. Atlanta planned to host two homestand weekends in the 2020 season, with the first at the Coca-Cola Roxy in late March and the second at a different, undetermined location in mid-June, but all homestand matches were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 Boston Uprising season was the third season of Boston Uprising's existence in the Overwatch League and their first under head coach Vytis "Mineral" Lasaitis. Boston planned to host two homestand weekends in the 2020 season at Citizens Bank Opera House in Boston, but all homestand matches were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 Dallas Fuel season was the third season of the Dallas Fuel's existence in the Overwatch League. The Fuel planned to host league-high five homestand weekends in the 2020 season at Esports Stadium Arlington, Toyota Music Factory, the Allen Event Center, and two more undetermined locations. While the first homestand at Esports Stadium Arlington took place, all other homestands were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 Florida Mayhem season was the third season of the Florida Mayhem's existence in the Overwatch League and the team's first season under head coach Kim "KuKi" Dae-kuk. The Mayhem planned to host two homestand weekends in the 2020 season at the Watsco Center at the University of Miami and the Full Sail Live Venue at Full Sail University, but all homestand matches were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 Los Angeles Gladiators season was the third season of Los Angeles Gladiators's existence in the Overwatch League and their third season under head coach David "dpei" Pei. The Gladiators planned to host two homestand weekends in the 2020 season, but all homestand matches were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 New York Excelsior season was the third season of New York Excelsior's (NYXL) existence in the Overwatch League and their first under head coach Jeong "imt" Yong-cheol. New York planned to host two homestand weekends in the 2020 season at the Hammerstein Ballroom in the Manhattan Center. While the first homestand took place, all other homestand events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 Paris Eternal season was the second season of Paris Eternal's existence in the Overwatch League and their first under head coach Yun "Rush" Hee-won. The Eternal planned to host three homestand weekends in the 2020 season at Zénith Paris in Paris, France, but all homestand matches were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 Philadelphia Fusion season was the third season of the Philadelphia Fusion's existence in the Overwatch League and their first under head coach Kim "KDG" Dong-gun. The Fusion planned to host three homestand weekends in the 2020 season, with the first two taking place at The Met in Philadelphia and the third at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. While their first homestand weekend took place, all following homestand events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 San Francisco Shock season was the third season of the San Francisco Shock's existence in the Overwatch League and their second under head coach Park "Crusty" Dae-hee. The team entered the season as the defending Overwatch League champions, after winning the 2019 Grand Finals. The Shock planned to host two homestand weekends in the 2020 season at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley and the San Jose Civic in downtown San Jose, but both were cancelled in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 Seoul Dynasty season was the third season of the Seoul Dynasty's existence in the Overwatch League. The Dynasty planned to hold two homestand weekends in the 2020 season at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul; however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all homestand events were cancelled.

The 2020 Shanghai Dragons season was the third season of the Shanghai Dragons's existence in the Overwatch League and their first under head coach Moon Byung-chul. The Dragons planned to host two homestand weekends in the 2020 season at XinYeFang Studio in Shanghai's Jing'an District. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the all homestand events were cancelled by the league.

The 2020 Toronto Defiant season was the second season of Toronto Defiant's existence in the Overwatch League. The Defiant were scheduled to host two homestand weekends in the 2020 season at Roy Thomson Hall in the Toronto Entertainment District, but both were cancelled in light of the COVID-19 pandemic as the league transitioned to online play. The team ended the season with a 7 wins, 1 bonus win, and 14 losses. The Defiant and were knocked out of postseason contention by the Los Angeles Gladiators in the North American Play-ins bracket.

The 2020 Vancouver Titans season was the second season of Vancouver Titans's existence in the Overwatch League. The team entered the season as the defending Pacific Conference champions looking to bounce back after their 2019 Grand Finals loss to the San Francisco Shock. The Titans planned to host two homestand weekends in the 2020 season at the Rogers Arena in Downtown Vancouver, but all homestand events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 Washington Justice season was the second season of Washington Justice's existence in the Overwatch League. The Justice planned to host a league-high five homestand weekends in the 2020 season; the first three would take place at The Anthem, while the second two would be at the Entertainment and Sports Arena. While the first two homestands at took place, all other homestand events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2021 Houston Outlaws season was the Houston Outlaws's fourth season in the Overwatch League (OWL). Harsha Bandi, who served as the team's head coach in the 2020 season, and Choi "Junkbuck" Jaewon served as the team's co-head coaches. The Outlaws underwent major roster changes in the offseason, with six of their eight players from 2020 leaving the team. The Outlaws failed to qualify for any of the four midseason tournaments. Houston finished the regular season with an 11–5 record and a fifth-place finish in the Western region. The Outlaws qualified for the West play-in tournament; however, they lost to the Washington Justice in the play-ins and did not qualify for the season playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.

References

  1. ↑ Mathews, Chris (August 21, 2019). "Major Houston esports team reveals dates, venue for first-ever home matches in 2020". Houston Business Journal. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  2. ↑ Collins, Sean (May 22, 2020). "Decay leads Dallas Fuel to record-setting performance in 3-1 win over Houston Outlaws in May Melee". The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  3. ↑ Field Level Media. "Defiant upset Reign, reach OWL Summer Showdown semis". Reuters . Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  4. ↑ Richardson, Liz (August 7, 2020). "Fuel to the fire: Overwatch League Countdown Cup Knockout round results". Dot Esports. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  5. ↑ Richardson, Liz (September 3, 2020). "Houston Outlaws, Vancouver Titans eliminated from Overwatch League playoffs". Dot Esports. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  6. ↑ Goslin, Austen (June 12, 2019). "Immortals Gaming acquires Infinite Esports parent company of OpTic Gaming and Houston Outlaws". Polygon. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  7. ↑ Hayward, Andrew (June 12, 2019). "Immortals GC Acquires OpTic Gaming and Houston Outlaws Parent, Infinite Esports & Entertainment". The Esports Observer. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  8. ↑ Hitt, Kevin (November 15, 2019). "Beasley Broadcast Group Acquires Houston Outlaws From Immortals Gaming Club". The Esports Observer. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
  9. ↑ Richardson, Liz (September 20, 2019). "Houston Outlaws release head coach and assistant coach". Dot Esports. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  10. ↑ Richardson, Liz (October 16, 2019). "Houston Outlaws acquire Harsha as head coach". Dot Esports. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
  11. ↑ Scott, Rainee (October 25, 2019). "Outlaws Sign Chris "Dream" Myrick to Coaching Staff". The Game Haus. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
  12. ↑ Houston Outlaws [@Outlaws] (October 19, 2019). "That's right, DJ Daniel is coming home to Houston" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  13. ↑ Morello, Matt (July 30, 2019). "2020 Team Needs and Player Contract Status". Overwatch League. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
  14. ↑ Richardson, Liz (October 4, 2019). "Overwatch League reveals player contract status for entire league". Dot Esports. Retrieved October 10, 2019.
  15. ↑ Samples, Rachel (October 18, 2019). "Houston Outlaws sign Hydration ahead of the 2020 Overwatch League season". Dot Esports. Retrieved October 19, 2019.
  16. ↑ "Boston Uprising trade Jeffrey "blasé" Tsang to Houston Outlaws". GamingLyfe. October 22, 2019. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  17. ↑ Field Level Media (November 16, 2019). "Outlaws, looking to climb OWL standings, sign 'Rapel'". Gwinett Prep Sports. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  18. ↑ Scott, Rainee (November 17, 2019). "Outlaws Sign Tae-hong "MekO" Kim". The Game Haus. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
  19. ↑ Richardson, Liz (January 2, 2020). "Houston Outlaws sign Jecse". Dot Esports. Retrieved January 2, 2020.
  20. ↑ Lyons, Ben (October 18, 2019). "Houston Outlaws part with Arhan". Gamereactor. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
  21. ↑ Scott, Rainee (November 8, 2019). "Houston Outlaws Release Chris "Bani" Benell". The Game Haus. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  22. ↑ "Houston Outlaws' DPS Jake retires". ESPN. Reuters. December 7, 2019. Archived from the original on December 8, 2019. Retrieved December 8, 2019.
  23. ↑ Richardson, Liz (January 14, 2020). "Coolmatt retires from pro Overwatch". Dot Esports. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  24. ↑ Richardson, Liz (July 15, 2020). "Off-tank Spree parts ways with Houston Outlaws". Dot Esports. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
  25. ↑ Howard, Brandon (August 3, 2020). "Houston Outlaws' Rawkus Retires From The Overwatch League". TheGamer. Retrieved October 15, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.