Blizzard launches Overwatch Champions Series with ESL FACEIT Group

The video game developer Blizzard Entertainment has partnered with global esports tournament operator ESL FACEIT Group for manage the Overwatch 2 esports circuit.. The Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) will feature open tournament circuits in EMEA, North America and Asiaas well as tournaments LAN at DreamHack. ESL FACEIT Group will also include Overwatch 2 on the platform. FACEIT.

The turn of events comes after the Overwatch League, the video game’s premier franchised league, was shut down late last year after teams decided to leave due to low revenues and high operating costs.

It was reported in 2023 that Activision Blizzard, which owns the Overwatch League, was in talks with third-party tournament operators to keep the Overwatch 2 ecosystem alive, and those talks are finally confirmed.

The new competitive circuit will adopt a more traditional format that aims to be “open, active and global.”according to the organizers. This is an opposite approach to the previous Overwatch League, which adopted a franchise-based league model in which team slots were sold for millions of dollars.

The OWCS will be open to players from North America, EMEA and Asia.. The Asian operations will be handled by Korean tournament organizer WDG. Each region will have its own qualifier and open tournaments.

By 2024, the Overwatch Champions Series will feature two large-scale tournaments.both of which will take place at the DreamHack by ESL FACEIT Group. The first one will be the DreamHack Dallas Major at the end of May and June. The OWCS World Finals will take place at DreamHack Stockholm. Both LAN events will feature the top eight OWCS teams from around the world.

To ensure more opportunities, Overwatch 2 will be integrated into the FACEIT platform. According to a statement, FACEIT will launch a calendar of events and content for aspiring OWCS players.. In addition, the platform plans to support tournament organizers looking to produce third-party competitions and experiences.

OWCS introduces a new era in 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.

Craig Levine, Co-CEO of ESL FACEIT Group