The Houston Outlaws is a professional esports team from the U.S. that competed in the professional Overwatch League (OWL) since its inception in 2017. Until the league’s closure, the Houston Outlaws participated annually in this prestigious video game tournament. During this period, the squad evolved from an ambitious newcomer into a league finalist, leaving a significant mark on the history of Overwatch. Read more about the Houston esports team’s highs, lows, and triumphs on houston-future.com.
The Origin Story
The concept of organized video game competitions originated with Blizzard Entertainment. They initially decided to host a local esports tournament, and the idea instantly resonated with video game fans. Just one year later, in 2018, the Overwatch League (OWL) was established. It quickly gained momentum, with city-based teams springing up in major U.S. cities. Over its lifetime, this esports competition grew into one of the most prestigious leagues globally. Here are some key facts about the Overwatch League:
- The league featured professional players from all over the world.
- OWL teams represented specific cities, much like the major professional sports leagues in North America.
- The league featured a regular season format with matches played throughout the year, culminating in a playoff and Grand Finals to determine the season’s champion.
- OWL players were guaranteed a minimum annual salary, benefits, and a share of prize pools and revenue.
- Matches were professionally produced and streamed online, attracting high viewership numbers.
- Throughout its seasons, the OWL experimented with different stage formats, mid-season tournaments, and playoff structures to maintain the competition engaging.
- In 2023, after six seasons, Activision Blizzard and the team owners mutually agreed to dissolve the Overwatch League.
Following the conclusion of the Overwatch League project, professional players established a new league, the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS). It features several differences from its predecessor, such as allowing any team to qualify for the league.
Team Founding, Logo, and Colors
The Houston Outlaws team was founded on September 20, 2017. It was established by the American organization OpTic Gaming after securing a franchise slot from Blizzard Entertainment. The name Houston Outlaws was chosen to embody the region’s “rebellious and fearless spirit.” For its logo, the team selected an image of two revolvers forming a longhorn skull, symbolizing the team’s strength and its connection to Texas. The team’s primary colors are green and black.
Competing in the Overwatch League
The Houston Outlaws players were one of the 12 founding teams of the Overwatch League. Their debut match took place on January 11, 2018, against the Philadelphia Fusion esports team. Throughout the league’s existence, the Houston Outlaws community never missed a single season. They had varied results but were always a noticeable and formidable presence in the league.
Season-by-Season Results
| Year | Wins | Losses | Overall Rank | Notes |
| 2018 | 22 | 18 | 5th | Did not qualify for the season playoffs |
| 2019 | 9 | 6 | 6th | Did not qualify for the season playoffs |
| 2020 | 6 | 15 | 7th | Did not qualify for the season playoffs |
| 2021 | 11 | 5 | 6th | Did not qualify for the season playoffs |
| 2022 | 16 | 8 | 4th | Lost in the lower bracket final of the playoffs |
| 2023 | 13 | 3 | 2nd | Grand Finals Runners-up, losing to Florida Mayhem 0–4 |
Notable Players and Achievements
The esports team from Houston has featured many players over the years. However, several left a significant mark on the league and made major contributions to the development of esports in the city. Here are their names:
- Austin Wilmot (Muma). One of the first and most recognizable players on the Houston Outlaws roster, Muma played the Tank position. He became a true leader both in the esports arena and beyond. In 2018, Austin was invited to the All-Star Game, an honor reserved for only the most distinguished players. Beyond competitive gaming, he was also actively involved in social issues within the esports community. This activism earned Austin Wilmot recognition not only as a top-tier player but also as a public figure.
- Dante Cruz (Danteh). A key player for the team, Danteh played the DPS position—the hero responsible for dealing primary damage to the opponent. His mastery made him an indispensable member of the squad. Danteh also represented the team at the All-Star Games in 2019 and 2020 and was a favorite among Houston fans. In the 2023 season, Danteh played a vital role in the team reaching the Overwatch League Grand Finals.
- João Pedro Goes Telles (Hydration). Originally from Brazil, Hydration became one of the top four players due to his versatility. Throughout his career with the team, he played both the DPS and Tank positions—a relatively rare feat on the professional stage. His flexibility and strategic thinking allowed the team to adapt to various in-game situations. In 2020, his contribution was recognized with an invitation to the All-Star Game.
- Lee Seung-soo (Jecse). Having previously played in similar South Korean leagues, Jecse joined the team as a Support player—one who provides healing and assistance to teammates. He added strategic depth and experience to the Houston Outlaws roster. In 2020, he was also a participant in the All-Star Game.
Cessation of Operations
On November 10, 2023, following the announcement of the Overwatch League’s closure, the members of the Houston Outlaws declared that they would cease competing and transition to the new league. However, six months later, in July 2024, the esports organization completely discontinued its team operations. While the Houston Outlaws may no longer exist, the team’s contribution to the development of Overwatch and the wider esports scene remains significant.