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Blizzard and ESL FACEIT launch Overwatch Champions Series

Overwatch 2

01/24/2024 - Blizzard Entertainment and ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) have announced a multi-year partnership to establish the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS). This marks a new milestone for the team-based first-person shooter Overwatch 2 by creating an open, accessible and global esports circuit.

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc., the developer of the popular multiplayer egoshooter Overwatch 2, and ESL FACEIT Group (EFG), a leading esports and video game entertainment organization, recently announced their collaboration for the newly launched Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS). This multi-year collaboration is set to open the next chapter in the game's competitive esports.

The OWCS: A Global Esports Circuit

The OWCS is a global esports circuit open to players from different regions such as North America, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. This initiative reflects the desire to take the team-based first-person shooter into a new era of esports.

The partnership with EFG allows Blizzard Entertainment to tap into a wide range of EFG's resources and expertise. The goal is to build an open, inclusive and sustainable competitive community.

Voices of those involved

"A thriving esports scene is very important for a game as competitive as Overwatch 2, and we're excited to partner with EFG to usher in this next era of the franchise," said Jared Neuss, Executive Producer of Overwatch 2.

"The OWCS ushers in a new era for Overwatch esports that honors the traditions and passion of Overwatch esports," said Craig Levine, Co-CEO of ESL FACEIT Group. "Together with Blizzard Entertainment, EFG is well positioned to create a global experience on the FACEIT platform and at DreamHack festivals."

Regional and global tournaments

EFG will operate the OWCS in the EMEA and North America regions, while an OWCS circuit in Asia will be created by WDG, a leading esports tournament organizer from Korea. Each region will have its own qualifiers and tournaments, culminating in two international live events. These events will bring together players and fans from all over the world.

DreamHack festivals as the venue

The OWCS will host two major tournaments in 2024 as part of the DreamHack gaming lifestyle festival. The first event, the DreamHack Dallas Major, will take place from May 31 to June 2. The second event, the World Finals, will be held in Stockholm at the end of November and will mark the first live Level 1 Overwatch competition in Europe for over five years.

FACEIT: Supporting the Overwatch 2 community

FACEIT, as the leading platform for competitive gaming, provides an open infrastructure for all players in the Overwatch 2 community. The platform will offer an extensive program of events and content to help aspiring OWCS players become professionals.

More information on tournament formats, ticket distribution, prize money and other details will be announced in the near future.

  • Source: Press release

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