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Blizzard has revealed the next evolution of top-level esports after the . The publisher has teamed up with ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) to run the new Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) under an exclusive multi-year agreement.
OWCS is an open-format circuit in which teams from North America; Europe, Middle East, North Africa (EMEA); and Asia can compete without having to pay . EFG will operate the Overwatch Champions Series in North America and EMEA, while Korean esports tournament organizer WDG will oversee the Asia circuit.
There will be regional qualifiers and tournaments held in the lead up to two in-person events later this year at DreamHack Dallas (May 31-June 2) and DreamHack Stockholm (November 22-24). Eight teams will compete at each event, with those qualifying for DreamHack Stockholm duking it out to become the first OWCS champions. That tournament will also mark the first top-level Overwatch competition in Europe in over five years.
Qualifiers will start in Feburary. Additional details about the tournaments, including formats, ticket sales and prize pools, will be announced later.
“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,” the game's executive producer Jared Neuss said in a statement.
Blizzard notes that any player who is interested in getting involved can use FACEIT's community tools to find teammates and events to compete in, while an ongoing schedule of events "creates a clear path to pro play for aspiring OWCS stars." In addition, Blizzard says that by making the most of EFG's tools and capabilities, it will be able to create an open, inclusive and sustainable competitive scene. FACEIT will also support those looking to run third-party tournaments and community experiences.
The , Blizzard's ambitious pro circuit, after six seasons. The day after the , Blizzard said it was "focusing on building our vision of a revitalized esports program." Weeks later, a majority of teams voted to end their participation in the league, triggering a from Activision Blizzard, and hammering the final nail into OWL's coffin.
grand vision for a franchised, Overwatch esports league never quite worked out. Factors such as , , Blizzard games , the at the publisher and the fact many of the teams were running at a loss all contributed to OWL's demise.
EFG, whose parent is the Saudi Arabia government-funded Savvy Games Group, is arguably well-placed to run Overwatch esports as a more sustainable endeavor. The company operates pro circuits for many other games, including other Blizzard titles .
Hosting several esports events at large-scale festivals (which has ) helps to minimize costs. The OWCS may not end up by itself as the Overwatch League used to, but it at least seems like a viable, open future for Overwatch 2 esports.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at
Console Bang News!
OWCS is an open-format circuit in which teams from North America; Europe, Middle East, North Africa (EMEA); and Asia can compete without having to pay . EFG will operate the Overwatch Champions Series in North America and EMEA, while Korean esports tournament organizer WDG will oversee the Asia circuit.
There will be regional qualifiers and tournaments held in the lead up to two in-person events later this year at DreamHack Dallas (May 31-June 2) and DreamHack Stockholm (November 22-24). Eight teams will compete at each event, with those qualifying for DreamHack Stockholm duking it out to become the first OWCS champions. That tournament will also mark the first top-level Overwatch competition in Europe in over five years.
Qualifiers will start in Feburary. Additional details about the tournaments, including formats, ticket sales and prize pools, will be announced later.
“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,” the game's executive producer Jared Neuss said in a statement.
Blizzard notes that any player who is interested in getting involved can use FACEIT's community tools to find teammates and events to compete in, while an ongoing schedule of events "creates a clear path to pro play for aspiring OWCS stars." In addition, Blizzard says that by making the most of EFG's tools and capabilities, it will be able to create an open, inclusive and sustainable competitive scene. FACEIT will also support those looking to run third-party tournaments and community experiences.
The , Blizzard's ambitious pro circuit, after six seasons. The day after the , Blizzard said it was "focusing on building our vision of a revitalized esports program." Weeks later, a majority of teams voted to end their participation in the league, triggering a from Activision Blizzard, and hammering the final nail into OWL's coffin.
grand vision for a franchised, Overwatch esports league never quite worked out. Factors such as , , Blizzard games , the at the publisher and the fact many of the teams were running at a loss all contributed to OWL's demise.
EFG, whose parent is the Saudi Arabia government-funded Savvy Games Group, is arguably well-placed to run Overwatch esports as a more sustainable endeavor. The company operates pro circuits for many other games, including other Blizzard titles .
Hosting several esports events at large-scale festivals (which has ) helps to minimize costs. The OWCS may not end up by itself as the Overwatch League used to, but it at least seems like a viable, open future for Overwatch 2 esports.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at
Console Bang News!