Blizzard Entertainment is bringing Overwatch 2 back to the esports space with a new Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS).
The developer struck a multi-year exclusive deal with ESL Facelift Group (EFG) to create a new international esports circuit for the popular hero shooter. Players in North America, Asia, and the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) are eligible to join.
Last summer, Activision Blizzard effectively killed the OWCS’ predecessor, Overwatch League. The esports league formed shortly after the first Overwatch’s release.
The esports community has effectively led to a number of reworks to Overwatch characters in both games, and also been a solid revenue driver. In late 2023, Blizzard said it’d switch to another esports model.
What is Overwatch 2’s esports future?
Executive producer Jared Neuss said working with EFG would bring a “new era” for the shooter. “A thriving esports scene is important to a game as competitive as Overwatch 2, and we’re very excited.”
When highlighting Diablo IV’s launch success last summer, Activision Blizzard acknowledged Overwatch 2’s rough go. Pre and post-launch, it’s faced criticism for missing features to its handling of two-factor authentication.
A new esports league may not fully get players back on board with the shooter. But at the very least, it may help give it an extra burst of adrenaline.
The new OWCS will be run by EFG in North America and the EMEA, while Korean esports organizer WGD will run the Asian circuit. Each region will have its own qualifiers and tournaments, which will be followed by a pair of in-person international events.
For North America and the EMEA, the first events will take place EFG’s Dreamhack festivals in Dallas from May 31-June 2. The second, for the World Finals, will be in Stockholm from November 22-24, and feature teams from all three regions.