In 2024, we reimagined Overwatch Esports with the launch of our new premier circuit: Overwatch Champions Series. OWCS was built on the principles of open competition and year-round programming, with a regional focus for fans and aspiring competitors alike. After a year full of nail-biting matches and incredible Live Events, we’re very happy to announce that OWCS is coming back next year in a big way.
In 2025, we’re doubling down on what has made OWCS so captivating by focusing on three big areas: creating a more rewarding and open competition; streamlining our programs; and increasing accessibility for players and fans. We’re also thrilled to introduce a new OWCS Team Partner program. You won’t have to wait long–the 2025 OWCS Season starts in January. What does all of this mean? Let’s break it down.
OWCS 2025 will have three stages across the globe and will feature three international Live Events. The first stage will kick off with an Open Qualifier in January, followed by a Regular Season with the top 8-12 teams (depending on region), and then a regional tournament that will qualify select teams for the international Live Events.
We’re making things more streamlined and easier to follow in 2025 by:
Broadcasting every Regular Season match;
Making our program more consistent across NA, EMEA, and Asia;
Auto-qualifying most teams for the next stage, with two slots per region being filled through promotion and relegation.
On that last point, we’re excited to introduce a Promotion & Relegation tournament into OWCS! Now, the lowest-performing OWCS teams will have to defend their spots against the scene’s top up-and-coming talent. In NA/EMEA, FACEIT League will serve as our official qualifier for promotion to OWCS. In Asia the Open Qualifier will be hosted on WARA.GG, providing a pathway for teams that do not auto-qualify into the subsequent OWCS stage. We’re expecting this change to produce some great storylines and ensure that the best talent around the world always have an opportunity to make it to the big stage.
For more details on each region and to sign up for competition today, head to the NA/EMEA competition details page here and the Asia competition details page here.
Teams are at the heart of the OWCS, and as we look ahead to the future, we want to see the biggest and most exciting teams across the world participating. That’s why, in 2025, we’re launching a pilot Partner Program to support up to nine teams across NA, EMEA, and Asia.
Partner Teams will receive a portion of the proceeds from crowdfunded in-game team packs and more, which will help them establish a stable base on which to build their competitive programs. Starting today, teams can apply to participate in the 2025 program. For team orgs, express your interest here by December 2.
You’ll be able to express your fandom for your favorite teams in and out of the game. Towards the back half of the 2025 OWCS Season, you can support your favorite teams by purchasing in-game bundles, as each Partner will have a team pack in-game featuring their branding and colors on skins and other items.
We’re thrilled about this program. We’ve learned a ton from our first year, and are grateful for the feedback. We've heard from the community to help us continue to iterate and evolve. Stay tuned as we get closer to the start of the 2025 Season to learn who the Partner Teams are, how to support them, and when the competition starts.
The passion that you all bring to Overwatch Esports is the reason we do this, and that enthusiasm has set the stage for what will be an incredible 2025 Season. We’ll have more details to share on when and where to watch as we get closer to the start of the Season. Don’t forget to tune into the OWCS 2024 World Finals tomorrow at 12 pm CET on Twitch and YouTube to earn the OWCS Mercy Skin. See you in January!
