Overwatch Champions Series
Blizzard Entertainment and ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) have struck a landmark multi-year deal, introducing the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) as a fresh chapter in Overwatch® 2 esports. This partnership is set to redefine competitive play with a more inclusive and sustainable model, marking a significant step in the evolution of Overwatch 2’s esports landscape.
A Global, Open Esports Circuit
The OWCS represents a significant shift in esports, offering an “always-on” circuit that spans across North America, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. This new model promises to provide more opportunities for players worldwide to rise through the ranks and showcase their skills on an international stage.
Today, we are excited to introduce the new Overwatch Esports program and the Overwatch Champions Series!
???? Read our Blog https://t.co/rZ3FeYR6aL pic.twitter.com/0MKtSv3Fuf
— Overwatch Esports (@OW_Esports) January 23, 2024
Partnership Dynamics
Under this agreement, EFG becomes the leading operator of the OWCS, with Blizzard leveraging EFG’s vast properties to foster an open and inclusive competitive community. This collaboration aims to enrich the Overwatch 2 esports scene, capitalizing on EFG’s expertise in managing top-tier gaming events.
The Future Landscape of Overwatch 2 Esports
The OWCS will operate under different regional organizers, with EFG handling Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and North America, while WDG, a renowned Korean esports organizer, will manage the Asia circuit. The structure of the competition will include regional qualifiers and tournaments, leading up to two major international live events.
Major Events at DreamHack Festivals
Two pivotal tournaments will take place in 2024 as part of the OWCS, both hosted at DreamHack, EFG’s immersive gaming lifestyle festival. The first major event will be in Dallas, followed by the grand World Finals in Stockholm. These events promise to bring together the global Overwatch community, offering a platform for the world’s top teams to compete.
FACEIT’s Role in Overwatch 2 Esports
FACEIT will play a crucial role by providing an open and sustainable infrastructure for the Overwatch 2 esports community. The platform will cater to both amateur and professional players, offering a seamless path to pro play and supporting third-party tournament organizers.
Future Updates
As the Overwatch Champions Series gears up for its inaugural year, fans can expect further announcements regarding tournament formats, ticket sales, prize pools, and more. This partnership between Blizzard and EFG is poised to usher in a new era for Overwatch 2 esports, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant competitive community.
