Blizzard Entertainment Partners with ESL FACEIT Group to Create the Ultimate Overwatch 2 Esports Ecosystem

Blizzard Entertainment, the game developer, has entered into a partnership with global esports tournament operator ESL FACEIT Group to create the primary esports ecosystem for Overwatch 2. The Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) will feature open tournaments in the EMEA and North America regions, as well as LAN tournaments at DreamHack events. ESL FACEIT Group also plans to introduce Overwatch 2 to the FACEIT platform.

This collaboration comes as a result of the closure of the Overwatch League, the game’s premier esports league, after teams decided to withdraw due to low revenue and viewership, alongside high operational costs.

The new competitive format will be more traditional and aims to be “open, always accessible, and global,” according to the organizers. This is a contrast to the disbanded Overwatch League, which operated on a franchise-based league system, with team slots being sold for over $20 million.

OWCS will be open to players from the North America, EMEA, and Asia regions. The operations in Asia will be handled by the Korean company WDG. Each region will have its own open qualifiers and tournaments.

By 2024, the Overwatch Champions Series will consist of two major tournaments, both taking place at DreamHack events organized by ESL FACEIT Group. The first one will be the DreamHack Dallas Major, set to be held in late May and June. The OWCS World Championships will be held at DreamHack Stockholm. Both LAN events will feature the top eight teams from around the world.

The new structure indicates a more international outlook for the Overwatch Champions Series compared to the Overwatch League, which primarily focused on North America under the franchise model.

To provide greater opportunities for transitioning into professional esports, Overwatch 2 esports will be integrated with the FACEIT platform. According to a press release, FACEIT will introduce a consistent schedule of events and content for aspiring OWCS players. Additionally, the platform plans to support tournament organizers interested in producing independent competitions and experiences.

Craig Levine, Co-CEO of ESL FACEIT Group, commented, “OWCS ushers in a new era of Overwatch esports, while respecting the traditions and passion created by Overwatch esports. Together with Blizzard Entertainment, EFG has the perfect conditions to create a truly global experience on the FACEIT platform and at DreamHack festivals.”

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The source of the article is from the blog combopop.com.br