Blizzard Entertainment, Inc., the visionary creators of the popular free-to-play first-person shooter Overwatch 2, has joined forces with ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), a renowned esports and video game entertainment company. This groundbreaking collaboration sets the stage for the next evolution in the game’s esports realm through the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS).
OWCS: A Global Esports Circuit
The Overwatch Champions Series introduces an esports circuit that is not only open and always-on but also global in scope. This signifies a pivotal moment in the history of Blizzard’s first-person shooter, providing players across North America, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa (EMEA), and Asia with a platform to showcase their skills. The partnership designates EFG as the premier operator of the OWCS, allowing Blizzard Entertainment to leverage EFG’s extensive suite of properties to foster an open, inclusive, and sustainable competitive community.
Jared Neuss, Executive Producer of Overwatch 2, expresses enthusiasm about this venture, stating, “A thriving esports scene is crucial for a game as competitive as Overwatch 2, and we’re thrilled to embark on this new era with EFG.”
Empowering the Overwatch Community
Craig Levine, Co-CEO of ESL FACEIT Group, emphasizes the significance of OWCS, saying, “OWCS introduces a new era of Overwatch esports while honoring the traditions and passion built by Overwatch esports.” Together with Blizzard Entertainment, EFG aims to create a truly global experience on the FACEIT platform and at DreamHack festivals.
Regional Operations and Live Events
EFG will oversee the Overwatch Champions Series in EMEA and North America, while an Asia OWCS circuit will be under the competent management of WDG, a leading esports tournament organizer based in Korea.
Each region will host its set of open qualifiers and tournaments, leading to two live in-person international events. More information on the qualification processes is available on PlayOverwatch.com.
Live Pinnacle Events at DreamHack Festivals
DreamHack, the immersive gaming lifestyle festival hosted by EFG, will feature two pinnacle tournaments in 2024 as part of OWCS. The first, the DreamHack Dallas Major, will take place from May 31 to June 2, bringing together eight of the world’s top teams in a double-elimination tournament.
Later in the year, the World Finals at DreamHack Stockholm from November 22-24 will host teams from all three regions, marking the first live Tier 1 Overwatch competition in Europe in over five years. Eight teams will compete for the inaugural OWCS championship title.
FACEIT: Building an Open and Sustainable Overwatch 2 Esports Infrastructure
FACEIT, the leading platform for competitive gaming globally, will provide an open infrastructure for both amateur and pro players in the Overwatch 2 community. Users can leverage FACEIT’s community features to connect with players and participate in events of varying scales.
The platform will offer a consistent schedule of events and content, creating a clear path to pro play for aspiring OWCS stars. Furthermore, FACEIT will support tournament organizers and community leaders in producing third-party competitions and community experiences.
Evolution Beyond the Overwatch League
With the Overwatch Champions Series, the competitive scene of Overwatch 2 takes center stage, signaling a departure from the Overwatch League’s past. This shift comes after the demise of the Overwatch League, offering a fresh and promising format likely to resonate with esports traditionalists.
As the OWCS kicks off its regional competitions across NA, EMEA, and Asia, leading to international live events at DreamHack, the esports community eagerly anticipates the rebirth of Overwatch’s competitive spirit. The series begins with preliminary events in February and March, leading up to the DreamHack Dallas Major on May 31, marking a significant milestone in the resurgence of Overwatch esports.
In a world filled with franchises, deaths, and rebirths, the story of “Overwatch” continues. With the ESL/FACEIT Group’s Overwatch Champions Series, a new chapter unfolds, inviting players and fans alike to be part of the exciting journey that lies ahead.
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