Director, Esports - Overwatch

Team Name:
Overwatch

Job Title:
Director, Esports - Overwatch

Requisition ID:
R027343

Job Description:

Overwatch is one of the world's most dynamic and globally recognized franchises-bringing together fast-paced gameplay, iconic heroes, and passionate communities of players and fans from around the world. Esports is a core pillar of the Overwatch experience, from the dramatic highs and lows of organized group play to the excitement of watching the world's best players competing at live events.

We are seeking a strong leader to serve as Director of Overwatch Esports. This role blends business leadership, strategic vision, and competitive gaming expertise to define and execute the future of Overwatch esports globally. You will lead the strategy, P&L, and execution of a global, multi-region ecosystem, including OWCS regional circuits, international events, partner team programs, and integrated in-game experiences, while managing a high-performing team at Blizzard.

This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work-from-home. The home studio for this role is Irvine, CA

What you bring to the table:


Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

• Own and drive the global business strategy, vision, and execution of the Overwatch esports ecosystem across all OWCS regions and international events.
• Lead overall business performance of the ecosystem, including P&L ownership, cost management, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Define and execute monetization strategy across esports, including sponsorships, media rights, digital products, and integrated in-game systems (MTX).
• Design and evolve the OWCS partner team program, including team economics, revenue-sharing structures, and long-term partner value creation.
• Identify, evaluate, and scale new business opportunities that expand the reach and impact of the ecosystem.
• Partner closely with game development to ensure esports is integrated into the Overwatch player experience and informs priorities across features, systems, marketing, and roadmap.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with publishing, marketing, analytics, and community teams to align esports strategy with broader franchise goals and seasonal marketing campaigns.
• Oversee global live events and broadcast strategy, ensuring operational excellence, financial discipline, and best-in-class fan experiences at scale.
• Structure, negotiate, and manage high-impact partnerships across sponsors, media platforms, and third-party operators.
• Serve as a key external representative for Overwatch esports with teams, players, partners, and the global community.
• Establish clear KPIs and performance frameworks; deliver regular reporting, insights, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Ensure competitive integrity and operational excellence across all tournaments and circuits globally.
• Leverage data, market insights, and community feedback to continuously refine strategy, inform investment decisions, and improve ecosystem performance.
• Lead and develop a global, cross-functional team across product, operations, partnerships, and competitive integrity.

Minimum Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in esports, gaming, sports, consulting, or related industries.
• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within esports, gaming, or live-service ecosystems.
• Strong business acumen with demonstrated experience owning or influencing P&L, revenue models, cost structures, and long-term strategic planning.
• Deep understanding of esports ecosystems, including league operations, team partnerships, and global event execution.
• Experience leading large, cross-functional teams in a global organization.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with product and game development teams to influence roadmap and outcomes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical mindset with a track record of data-driven decision making.
• Willingness to travel globally for events and partner engagements.

Nice to Have

• Deep passion for Overwatch and familiarity with its competitive ecosystem.
• Experience working on esports ecosystems at major publishers (e.g., Riot Games, EA, Ubisoft).
• Experience with digital monetization systems, virtual economies, and live-service business models.
• Global experience across regions such as Korea, China, EMEA, and North America.

Our Platform

Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. ( a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry's most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net®, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.

Our World

Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™ and Bubble Witch™. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!

Our ability to build immersive and innovative worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered!

The video game industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to View email address on click.appcast.io. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for 'Every World' - we've got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $154,100.00 - $285,084.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role's range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.