Blizzard and ESL FACEIT Group Launch Overwatch Champions Series

Blizzard Entertainment and ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) have announced a multi-year deal to introduce the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS), a new international esports circuit for Overwatch 2.
The OWCS will be an open-format circuit, allowing teams from North America, Europe, Middle East, North Africa (EMEA), and Asia to compete without paying franchise fees.
Two major OWCS events will be hosted by EFG at its DreamHack Festivals in Dallas and Stockholm, featuring eight of the world's top teams competing for the championship title.
The OWCS aims to provide a more inclusive and sustainable competitive scene, offering a clear path to professional play for aspiring stars and supporting third-party tournaments and community experiences.
The announcement of the OWCS follows the demise of the Overwatch League, which ended in 2023 after six seasons due to various challenges including COVID-19, viewership struggles, and a sexual harassment scandal at Activision Blizzard.