Blizzard Entertainment, a leading video game developer, has unveiled the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) as the successor to the Overwatch League (OWL), signaling a transformative era for competitive Overwatch esports. This strategic move follows Blizzard’s multi-year collaboration with ESL FaceIt Group (EFG), a global esports tournament operator under the umbrella of the Saudi-owned Savvy Games Group. The OWCS is set to be an expansive international competitive ecosystem, embracing players from North America, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa (EMEA), and Asia. Departing from the franchise model of the OWL, the OWCS promises a more inclusive and open structure, allowing any player to form a team and vie for a coveted spot in live events.
In a bid to revitalize Overwatch esports, EFG will play a central role in organizing the OWCS and managing competitions in the EMEA region and North America. The collaboration extends to elite OWCS tournaments to be hosted at DreamHack festivals in Dallas and Stockholm. These events are poised to feature top esports teams, with the Stockholm tournament marking a significant milestone as the first live tier-one Overwatch competition in Europe in over five years. Additionally, the integration of the FaceIt gaming platform will provide an open infrastructure for Overwatch 2 players, fostering a community-centric approach with enhanced connectivity and event participation. This partnership aims to redefine the Overwatch competitive landscape, creating a more accessible, engaging, and globally resonant esports experience.
Overwatch has announced the future of their esports with the Overwatch Champions Series
A series of OPEN qualifiers for teams to compete at 2 international events culminating at DreamHack Sweden. Actually dope to see pic.twitter.com/GCZJz5c9yK
— Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) January 23, 2024
Overwatch Champions Series: A Global Competitive Ecosystem
The Overwatch Champions Series is designed to be an international competitive ecosystem, welcoming players from North America, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa (EMEA), and Asia. EFG will take charge of organizing and overseeing the competition in the EMEA region and North America, while the Overwatch Champions Series circuit in Asia will be managed by the Korean esports tournament operator WDG.
Open to All Players
In a departure from the franchise model used in the Overwatch League, the OWCS promises a more inclusive esports ecosystem. Any player can form a team and compete for a spot at the competition’s live events, creating a more open and accessible competitive structure.
Regional Qualifying Structure
Each region will implement an established open qualifying and tournament schedule. This revamped structure aims to make Overwatch esports more accessible to a broader player base. The new format moves away from the exclusive franchise model, encouraging a diverse range of players to participate and compete.
EFG’s Role in the Overwatch Champions Series
EFG is set to play a pivotal role in the Overwatch Champions Series, overseeing the competition in the EMEA region and North America. Their involvement is part of a broader effort to revitalize and redefine the Overwatch esports experience. As part of this collaboration, EFG will host two elite OWCS tournaments during its DreamHack festivals in Dallas and Stockholm later this year.
Elite Tournaments at DreamHack Festivals
The collaboration with DreamHack will see two elite OWCS tournaments held at its festivals in Dallas and Stockholm. These events are expected to feature some of the world’s top esports teams, marking a significant moment in Overwatch’s competitive history. The Stockholm event will notably be the first live tier-one Overwatch competition in Europe in over five years.
FaceIt Platform Integration
To provide an open infrastructure for all Overwatch 2 players, the FaceIt gaming platform will be integrated into the Overwatch Champions Series. Users will have access to community features that help them connect with other players and find events of various scales to participate in. FaceIt will also offer a schedule of events and content tailored to aspiring OWCS players, supporting skill development and third-party competitions.
Fostering a Thriving Esports Scene
Jared Neuss, Executive Producer of Overwatch 2, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “A thriving esports scene is important to a game as competitive as Overwatch 2, and we’re very excited to be entering this next era for the franchise with EFG.”
Craig Levine’s Perspective
Craig Levine, Co-Chief Executive of ESL FaceIt Group, shared his thoughts on the 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 is well-positioned to create a truly global experience on the FaceIt platform and at DreamHack festivals.”
Conclusion
The announcement of the Overwatch Champions Series as the successor to the Overwatch League signals a significant shift in the structure and accessibility of Overwatch esports. Blizzard’s partnership with EFG and the integration of FaceIt aims to breathe new life into the competitive Overwatch community, fostering inclusivity and creating a more dynamic and engaging competitive landscape for players and fans alike. As the OWCS takes center stage, the esports community eagerly anticipates the evolution of Overwatch competitive play on a global scale.
