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Overwatch 2Jan 28, 2025 2:00 pm CT

The Overwatch esports 2025 season kicks off with OWCS beginning Friday (and in-game swag for watching)

The Overwatch Champion Series (OWCS) returns in 2025 with exciting updates designed to enhance the competitive scene and viewing experience. This year’s format features four competitive regions: North America, EMEA, Asia, and China. Each region begins with an Open Qualifier to determine which teams advance to the Regular Season, joining Partner Teams already seeded in the competition. Regional Playoffs will decide the top two teams from each region to compete in the Champions Clash, held at the Hangzhou Esports Center in China.

Hero Bans, a significant addition this season, is a new feature introduced in Stage 1 to add a layer of strategic depth to matches. Teams can ban one hero per map, alternating roles to maintain variety. Once a hero has been banned twice in a series, they cannot be excluded again, ensuring dynamic gameplay throughout each match. Hero Bans will apply to all Stage 1 competitions, including the Champions Clash.

The 2025 season also brings nine Partner Teams representing the best of Overwatch esports. These organizations benefit from revenue-sharing through branded in-game cosmetics, allowing fans to support their favorites. The Partner Teams are:

Stage 1 Schedule

  • Open Qualifier: January 16–19, 2025
    • Swiss play on the first two days, followed by a Top 16 bracket.
  • Regular Season: January 31–February 23, 2025
    • Round-robin matches between all qualifying teams and Partner Teams.
  • Regional Playoffs: March 1–9, 2025
    • A six-team double-elimination bracket determines which teams advance to the Champions Clash.
  • Champions Clash: March 2025 (dates TBD)
    • The top two teams from each region compete live in Hangzhou, China.

Fans will enjoy a variety of exclusive viewership incentives, including Overwatch 2 skins, sprays, and name cards, available by watching broadcasts on Twitch and YouTube. Additionally, the Cosmic Collection introduces a stunning array of new cosmetics for heroes like Mercy, D.Va, and Zenyatta. The popular Co-Streamer Program also returns, offering fans free loot while connecting them with their favorite streamers and Partner Teams.

The OWCS 2025 season blends exciting innovations like Hero Bans with community-driven features and enhanced accessibility, ensuring it’s a year to remember. Follow all the action on Twitch, YouTube, and social media as the most prominent stars in Overwatch 2 esports compete for glory. The journey to Hangzhou starts now!

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