The European team has called it quits on Overwatch after one year in the scene.
One year after the roster departed from Fnatic to join the REUNITED brand, it will have to look for a new home. In an official announcement, REUNITED CEO Frederik Christensen and COO Christian Jantzen have confirmed that the organization will cease operations effective immediately.
The news comes but a few days after the team was allegedly looking to replace two of its players – tank Sergi “Winghaven” Torras and DPS Stefan “Onigod” Friskarstrand – having practiced with members from Slav Squad. As of today, however, all the players have been released into free agency.
REUNITED’s owners cite the uncertainty in Overwatch’s future regarding the upcoming Overwatch League, to be ran by Blizzard Entertainment itself, and the way berths into it will be acquired. Said uncertainty has hindered the acquisition of new sponsors by the team, Kragh and Jantzen write.
“To be very clear: we are not opponents to Blizzard's work with the league and actually believe that this is what the industry needs to push forward. However, in the case of Reunited, the timing came at the worst possible moment. We look forward to following the league and cheer for the boys as they enter the most ambitious stage in esports history.”
The disbandment of REUNITED leaves the European scene even shallower than before, now with one top team less. Although the region has clear headliners in Ninjas in Pyjamas, Misfits and Rogue, its depth lags severely behind that of North America and even the younger South Korean scenes. Of the 20 top ranked teams on the GosuRankings, only three represent Europe.
UPDATE 15:35 CET
Former REUNITED captain Thomas "Morte" Kerbusch has confirmed on Twitter that the team will stay together while looking for a new org.
