by Overwatch esports took a bold step forward in 2024 with the launch of the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS), a premier circuit emphasising open competition and global engagement.
Following its inaugural success, Blizzard Entertainment is doubling down on the OWCS for 2025 with enhanced features, a streamlined format, and exciting new opportunities for teams and fans alike.
The upcoming season promises a host of improvements designed to elevate the esports experience for players and viewers.
The OWCS will span three stages globally, each culminating in three international live events.
OWCS 2025 open qualifiers will kick off the action in January, before the regular season begins in each of the top regions.
Featuring up to 12 teams per region, the regular season will determine who advances to the international live events.
Fans can look forward to consistent programming across the top three regions, North America (NA), Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Asia, with every match broadcast live.
Overwatch Champion Series 2025 will introduce a new system where the lowest-performing teams will defend their spots against top up-and-coming talent.
NA and EMEA will rely on the FACEIT League as the pathway for challengers.
In Asia, WARA.GG will host open qualifiers, ensuring aspiring teams have a chance to reach the OWCS stage.
In 2025, OWCS will launch a pilot partner program to support up to nine teams across NA, EMEA, and Asia.
Partner teams will benefit from a share of proceeds from crowdfunded in-game team packs, featuring branded skins and other cosmetics.
They will also receive additional resources to bolster their competitive programs.
Applications for this program are open until December 2, 2024, allowing teams to secure a significant role in shaping the OWCS ecosystem.
Blizzard is bringing back team-inspired cosmetics in the form of team packs, available during the latter half of the 2025 season.
Fans can show support for their favourite teams with skins, colours, and other items, rekindling the nostalgia of Overwatch League’s celebrated team skins.
The transition from the franchise-based Overwatch League (OWL) to the open-structured OWCS reflects Blizzard’s commitment to the long-term health of Overwatch esports.
While OWCS viewership hasn’t yet reached the heights of OWL’s peak, its accessibility, engaging format, and fan-focused innovations position it for growth.
The 2025 OWCS season begins in January and runs through November, concluding with the World Finals.
With its open pathways, thrilling live events, and fan-centric content, OWCS is poised to deliver another incredible year of competition.
OWCS is back & BETTER in 2025! Our season starts January, with:
??A streamlined format
??3 Stages & 3 Live Events
??More broadcasts
??FACEIT as a path into OWCS
??An OWCS Team Partner ProgramThat’s STILL not all! Check out our #OWCS 2025 blog ?? https://t.co/TtLaiXeIRc pic.twitter.com/zV3cXRP8Hk
— Overwatch Esports (@OW_Esports) November 23, 2024
