Overwatch is a powerhouse in esports, known for its versatile and talented players. The game’s release led to the emergence of a competitive professional scene, with teams like Dallas Fuel and Shanghai Dragons vying for prestigious and lucrative prizes, reaching up to $3.5m.
The best Overwatch players are not only masters with their chosen mains, but are also adaptable, excelling in various roles and evolving metas. They have earned their spots through outstanding performance, achievements, versatility, and their lasting impact on the game.
What makes someone the best Overwatch player?
We chose our top 10 best Overwatch players of all time based on five key factors from extensive research and reputable sources.
- Performance Metrics: We looked at players’ statistics like kill/death ratios and win rates to gauge their efficiency and effectiveness. This data was gathered from sources such as Liquipedia and Overwatch League official statistics.
- Notable Achievements: Players with significant accolades, including MVP awards and championship titles, were prioritized. Consistent high placements in major tournaments are a bonus.
- Versatility and Adaptability: We valued players who excelled with multiple heroes and adapted well to different metas.
- Historical Impact: We considered players who had a significant influence on the game’s meta and community. These players not only performed well but also changed how the game was played at high levels with insights gathered from Fragster and other esports sites.
- Consistency and Longevity: Players who maintained high performance over multiple seasons and years were given extra consideration. This longevity shows their skill, adaptability, and dedication to the game.
1. Kim “Fleta” Byung-sun (Shanghai Dragons)
- Active between: 2017-2023
- Hero type: DPS
- Career earnings: $450,000
Kim “Fleta” Byung-sun, a DPS player for Shanghai Dragons, is known for his exceptional adaptability and consistent performance across a variety of heroes. His skill set earned him the MVP award in the 2020 Overwatch League season. Fleta’s skill with heroes like Widowmaker and Tracer played a crucial role in Shanghai Dragons’ many victories, especially in the 2021 Overwatch League playoffs.
One of Fleta’s standout performances came during the 2021 Overwatch League Grand Finals, where his precise aim and strategic use of Widowmaker led to several crucial picks that disrupted the opposing team’s strategy, ultimately leading Shanghai Dragons to victory.
His impressive Tracer abilities were showcased in the 2020 Summer Showdown, where his aggressive play style and quick reflexes led to victories for his team. We consider Fleta to be the best Overwatch player of all time.
2. Park “Profit” Joon-yeong (London Spitfire)
- Active between: 2017-2024
- Hero type: DPS
- Career earnings: $380,000
Park “Profit” Joon-yeong is celebrated for his performances on Tracer and Genji. He was a key player in London Spitfire’s victory during the inaugural Overwatch League season, earning the Finals MVP award for his clutch plays, especially on Tracer. A notable moment in Profit’s career occurred during the 2018 OWL Grand Finals on King’s Row.
In a make or break situation, Profit’s use of Tracer’s Pulse Bomb secured a multi-kill, turning the tide of the match and leading to Spitfire’s victory. This play, highlighted as one of the most memorable moments in Overwatch League history, showcases just how good Profit really is.
Profit was the first player in Overwatch League history to reach 10,000 eliminations, showing his incredible skill and influence on the game. His consistent high-level performances in high-stakes games makes him one of the most celebrated DPS players in the game’s history.
3. Lee “Twilight” Joo-seok (Toronto Defiant)
- Active between: 2016-2023
- Hero type: Support
- Career earnings: $180,000
Lee “Twilight” Joo-seok, playing for Toronto Defiant, is renowned for his aggressive support play on heroes like Ana and Zenyatta. His high-risk, high-reward approach often results in game-changing plays, making him a critical asset to his team.
Twilight’s ability to both eliminate opponents and offer vital support has played a crucial part in Toronto Defiant’s successes. In the 2023 Overwatch League season, Twilight’s clutch performance on Ana during a crucial match against Los Angeles Gladiators showcased his precision with biotic grenades and sleep darts.
His consistent high-level play as a support role continues to set him apart as one of the best support players in 2024 and potentially all time.
4. Ryu Je-hong (Seoul Dynasty)
- Active since: 2016
- Hero type: Support
- Career earnings: $90,000
Ryujehong is a legendary figure in the Overwatch community, known for having the highest pre-Overwatch League prize winnings of any player. His consistent skill with Ana is unparalleled over the years. As a key player for Lunatic-Hai and later Seoul Dynasty, Ryujehong’s playmaking abilities and clutch performances have cemented his reputation as a support main.
Ryujehong’s aggressive support style changed the role and influenced players like Twilight. He was pivotal in South Korea’s victories at the Overwatch World Cups in 2016 and 2017, consistently making high-impact plays that turned the tide of matches. His contributions and play style have made him a pioneering figure in the support role, leaving a lasting legacy in Overwatch.
5. Jong-Ryeol “Saebyeolbe” Park
- Active between: 2016-2021
- Hero type: DPS
- Career earnings: $183,000
Jong-Ryeol “Saebyeolbe” Park is known for his elite level of gameplay with his main characters Tracer and Cassidy. His aggressive style and clutch plays were key to New York Excelsior’s success before his time in the South Korean army.
Saebyeolbe’s charm and impact on and off the game have attracted a big online fanbase and motivated many Overwatch players. His precise aim and strategic decision-making with Tracer, have set him apart as one of the game’s top DPS players.
Park joined the Seoul Dynasty in late November 2020. On April 12th, 2021, he made controversial comments on Twitch about the Chinese audience, which led to a temporary boycott by the four Chinese Overwatch League teams. Park later apologized, but he did not appear in any matches thereafter and retired from professional Overwatch on October 10, 2021.
6. Matthew “super” DeLisi (San Francisco Shock)
- Active between: 2016-2022
- Hero type: Tank
- Career earnings: $424,000
Matthew “super” DeLisi is widely regarded as one of the best tank players in Overwatch history. His leadership and gameplay on Reinhardt and Orisa were key to San Francisco Shock’s back-to-back OWL championships in 2019 and 2020.
His adaptability with Orisa further showcased his skill in different metas. DeLisi was recognized with multiple awards while playing for the San Francisco Shock. Unfortunately, super announced his retirement on March 27, 2022.
7. Hong “Gesture” Jae-hee (London Spitfire)
- Active between: 2017-2022
- Hero type: Tank
- Career earnings: $330,000
Hong “Gesture” Jae-hee is renowned for being a part of one of the longest lasting OWL duo partnerships, with none other than Profit. His strategic mind and leadership abilities as a tank player, specializing in Winston and Orisa, led teams like London Spitfire and Seoul Dynasty to victory.
Gesture’s command of Winston allowed for aggressive engagements and decisive team fights, while his play on Orisa demonstrated his versatility and adaptability across different metas.
In addition to his mechanical skill, Gesture’s leadership and game sense have made him one of the best tank players in Overwatch history. He became a coach for New York Excelsior in OWL after retiring in 2021, thanks to his game reading skills and ability to make strategic decisions under pressure.
8. Sung-hyeon “JJoNak” Bang (New York Excelsior)
- Active between: 2017-2022
- Hero type: Tank
- Career earnings: $183,000
Sung-hyeon “JJoNak” Bang redefined the Zenyatta role with his out-of-the-box style and thinking. As a cornerstone of New York Excelsior, JJoNak’s high damage output and exceptional game sense made him a terror on the field. His unique approach even earned him the MVP award in the inaugural OWL season.
JJoNak’s Zenyatta gameplay changed the game for support players, with lots of eliminations and relentless pressure on opponents. His ability to consistently deliver high damage, while simultaneously providing essential support, make him a threat for any competitor.
9. Lane “Surefour” Roberts (Toronto Defiant)
- Active between: 2015-2020
- Hero type: DPS
- Career earnings: $97,000
Lane “Surefour” Roberts, a Canadian DPS player, is known for his versatility across multiple heroes. Surefour’s adaptability and skill have made him a key player in different metas, including being crowned the 1v1 champ in 2018.
Surefour’s mechanical skills are evident, and he remains one of top DPS players of all time. His performance in international competitions and the OWL, particularly during the inaugural season with Los Angeles Gladiators, left a lasting legacy.
10. Dong-jun “Rascal” Kim (Zeta Division)
- Active since: 2016
- Hero types: DPS, Support
- Career earnings: $199,000
Dong-jun “Rascal” Kim is celebrated for his versatility, excelling in both DPS and support roles. He made significant contributions to teams like San Francisco Shock and Philadelphia Fusion. Rascal’s mastery of heroes, including Mei, Genji, and Baptiste, has made him a key player in many team compositions.
Rascal had a brief period with Dallas Fuel before joining NRG Esports, where he excelled in Contenders. This earned him a promotion to the San Francisco Shock, where he won back-to-back OWL championships in 2019 and 2020. He concluded his playing career with the Philadelphia Fusion in 2021 and then transitioned to coaching.
What the best Overwatch players have in common
Becoming one of the best Overwatch players requires exceptional skill, dedication, and adaptability. Each player on this list has made a significant impact on the game, influencing strategies and inspiring new players. Their skill and versatility in mastering multiple heroes, as well as constantly adapting to game changes, sets them apart as legends.
All players on this list have consistently performed at a high level under pressure, setting gameplay standards that will be difficult to beat. By celebrating their accomplishments and treasuring their favorite moments, the Overwatch community keeps their love for the game alive. Player’s legacies are often short, but continue to inspire the next generations of Overwatch giants.