Regular readers know that Overwatch 2 isn’t done with esports; it’s just done with swollen esports leagues, having replaced the cancelled Overwatch League with the open registration Overwatch Champions Series or OWCS for short. Fans of the shooter’s esporting scene may be relieved to know that the OWCS will return in 2025, making some new refinements and updates to its format along the way.
The new season, which will begin in January, will be in a three stage format across the globe, with three global live events planned. Competition starts with an open qualifier, followed by a regular season with the top regional teams, and then a regional tournament that pares down who goes to the global events. The OWCS will also feature promotion and relegation, which grants lower-ranking teams an opportunity to earn their way into two regular season spots by winning matches.
The 2025 OWCS season also promises broadcasts for every regular season match, more consistency for the program across different regions, and auto-qualifying for most teams. Ideally, this will mean a better to follow and more competitive esports tourney for the new year, assuming this is your bag.
