Custa and Jake Join OWL Talent Team
The past week has been a heavy hitter for fans of the Overwatch League, after two of the League’s star players announced their retirement from professional play. Both, Scott “Custa” Kennedy of the Los Angeles Valiant and Jake “JAKE” Lyon of the Houston Outlwas, have decided to hang up the mouse and keyboard for spots on the Overwatch League talent team. Custa will join the well-loved cast of characters on the desk, and Jake will finally be making his transition to full-time casting.
These retirement announcements have major impact for the League. Firstly, Custa and Jake were some of the game’s early professionals. They have been competing in Overwatch since 2016 and to lose two highly successful veteran players is a big impact to the culture of the pro-scene. Secondly, the two were huge parts of the branding for both their respective teams and the League. Jake was widely regarded as the poster boy for OWL, representing the League at conferences and even making an appearance for an interview on the TODAY show.
His absence will certainly be felt on the Houston Outlaws, as he was integral to not only their success early on in Overwatch League 2018, but also to their success as a brand. His infamous “Jakerat” and reputation as a meme, certainly marked him as a player to watch whenever it was a Houston game day.
Click to enlargeCusta is a player who was vital in the resurgence of the LA Valiant during OWL 2018 and continued to remain a staple of the brand for the following season. Custa is widely praised for his shotcalling and leadership in-game, and it were these attributes that helped the Valiant turn their sour start around and fly to the top of the 2018 Pacific Division.
Click to enlargeCusta is a player who was vital in the resurgence of the LA Valiant during OWL 2018 and continued to remain a staple of the brand for the following season. Custa is widely praised for his shotcalling and leadership in-game, and it were these attributes that helped the Valiant turn their sour start around and fly to the top of the 2018 Pacific Division.
Both players and their legacies will stand out as some of the most prominent from the first two seasons. However, the transition for Custa and Jake towards talent is nothing but expected. Both are charismatic and charming individuals and have some experience in their new careers. Jake has spent the last two World Cups casting and Custa lent his talents to the desk during the 2018 All-Star matches.
It’s very clear that both players will do well in their new roles. Their voices and personalities will add new perspective and flavor to the talent team of the Overwatch League, former pros almost always do. Their insight on the game and lifestyle as a pro player, will definitely contribute to the production, and it’ll be exciting to watch their debuts!
Main image via Blizzard Entertainment