Expanding the Footprint: Overwatch Champions Series’ Future
Overwatch Champions Series: A New Era in Esports
The Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS), concluding its inaugural competitive year at Dreamhack Stockholm 2024, marks a significant shift in the landscape of Overwatch esports. Team Falcons from Saudi Arabia emerged victorious, highlighting the spirit of competition in this new open ecosystem. The tournament recorded a peak viewership of 159,918, nearly matching last year’s Overwatch League playoffs. However, despite similar viewership numbers, the OWCS and the Overwatch League are worlds apart.
From Franchise to Open Ecosystem
The OWCS, launched in 2024, introduces an open ecosystem—a departure from the franchised Overwatch League model. No team has a guaranteed spot, allowing any group of five skilled players to potentially climb the ranks and reach the world finals. This open system is set to continue in 2025, consisting of three stages across North America, EMEA, and Asia, with promotion and relegation events integrated throughout.
Sean Miller, Head of Overwatch Esports, emphasizes the series’s dedication to skill and opportunity: “The OWCS has the best players, no matter where they come from: if you’re the best at Overwatch, it means you can compete on this stage in front of this crowd.”
Challenges and Triumphs
The transition from the Overwatch League to the OWCS was rapid, occurring just three months after the 2023 Grand Final. Despite the initial uncertainty, the OWCS, managed by ESL FACEIT Group, quickly gained traction. This swift shift to an open system was well received, with numerous teams eager to compete in the new circuit.
The OWCS finals saw teams like NTMR (Nightmare), formed just six months before, competing at the top level—a testament to the open system’s potential. Miller notes, “It’s all about skill; any group of people can get together and make it to the top. There are no barriers. You just have to win.”
Sustainability and Growth
Looking ahead, sustainability is a key focus. To support organizations investing in the circuit, a new partnership program will be introduced in 2025. This initiative will offer selected partners a share of the proceeds from crowdfunded in-game team packs, alongside other benefits. Miller is optimistic, stating, “We’re positive about all the excitement we’re seeing.”
Blizzard will also support the program, with artists creating special in-game skins. Miller highlights the collaborative effort: “We want to be able to see this ecosystem grow and work with the teams to do just that.”
2025 and Beyond
The OWCS plans for 2025 are ambitious, with an emphasis on “Expanding our footprint.” This expansion involves more competition stages, live events, sponsors, and broadcasting. According to Miller, “Expanding the footprint of the ecosystem means making it more consistent and easier to follow: having fewer teams in each circuit would also simplify things.”
Integration with DreamHack has been a key to live event success. “The opportunity to be at DreamHack has been invaluable,” Miller explains. “We sold out in Dallas, and they had to add 500 seats to accommodate all the interested people.”
The Road Ahead
The OWCS aims to simplify the competition process, making it easy to follow and participate in. With the introduction of crowdfunded prize money, a partnership program, and global events, the series seeks to become a straightforward and rewarding ecosystem for teams and stakeholders.
As the OWCS moves towards its second year, the focus remains on growth and refinement. Miller concludes, “This year has been an amazing start, and I just can’t wait to see us come together and help the ecosystem grow next year.”
The OWCS has completed a strong inaugural season, with significant team participation and solid viewership. As Overwatch 2 developers conduct six vs six tests, potential changes in the esports landscape loom. Nevertheless, 2025 promises more broadcast matches, live events, and opportunities for investment, paving the way for the OWCS to continue its promising journey.
