Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Photo by Robert Paul via Blizzard Entertainment

Houston Outlaws release Bani

Say goodbye to the main support.
This article is over 4 years old and may contain outdated information
Recommended Videos

This article is brought to you by StatBanana, the best Overwatch strategy tool.


Another cowboy is down for the count. The Houston Outlaws have parted ways with support Chris “Bani” Benell, the Overwatch League team announced today.

Bani played support for the Outlaws since 2018 and his release comes after an unfavorable result in the Overwatch League’s second season. The Outlaws finished the 2019 season in 16th place and were one of the few teams that managed to lose all matches in a stage, finishing stage two 0-7.

https://twitter.com/Outlaws/status/1192954957852561408

Bani was often benched in favor of the support duo Shane “Rawkus” Flaherty and Daniel “Boink” Pence. His release was already expected after the player was listed as a free agent in the league’s website.

Bani’s departure leaves the Outlaws short-staffed. Only one half of its current support line is still officially under contract. While it’s safe to expect Rawkus in black-and-green in 2020, Boink was announced as a free agent by the Overwatch League and could change teams before the next season.

Bani’s release marks one of many changes made by the Outlaws in the offseason. The team recently dropped head coach Kim “TaiRong” Tae-yeong and assistant coach Kim “Hyunwoo” Hyun-woo, who were part of its staff since 2017. Former Vancouver Titans’ Harsha Bandi joined the team as the Outlaws’ new head coach for 2020.

The Outlaws also reinforced their famous DPS lineup in preparation for next year. Veteran cowboys Jiri “LiNkzr” Masalin, Jacob “Jake” Lyon and Dante “Danteh” Cruz were joined by the Los Angeles Gladiators’ João Pedro “Hydration” Goes Telles and the Boston Uprising’s Jeffrey “blasé” Tsang. This gives the team an astonishing five damage players.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Pedro Peres
Pedro Peres
Pedro is Dot Esports' Lead Destiny Writer. He's been a freelance writer since 2019, and legend has it you can summon him by pinging an R-301, uttering the word "Persona," or inviting him to run a raid in Destiny 2 (though he probably has worse RNG luck than the D2 team combined). Find his ramblings on his Twitter @ggpedroperes (whenever that becomes available again).