When is the Overwatch World Cup?
The Overwatch World Cup is an annual esports tournament organized by Blizzard Entertainment, the developers of the popular team-based shooter game, Overwatch. The event brings together the best Overwatch teams from around the world to compete for national pride and a share of the $300,000 prize pool.
Schedule
The Overwatch World Cup typically takes place in November and December of each year. The exact dates may vary, but it usually spans over two weekends, with the group stages taking place on Saturday and Sunday, and the playoffs and finals on Sunday.
Format
The Overwatch World Cup features 32 teams, representing their respective countries, competing in a double-elimination bracket. The teams are divided into four groups of eight teams each, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the playoffs.
Group Stage
- Matches: Each team plays the other teams in their group once, with the top two teams advancing to the playoffs.
- Winners: The top team in each group earns a bye in the playoffs, while the second-placed teams play each other in the quarterfinals.
- Prize: The teams that finish third in their group earn $30,000, while the teams that finish fourth earn $20,000.
Playoffs
- Quarterfinals: The second-placed teams from each group play each other, with the winners advancing to the semifinals.
- Semifinals: The winners of the quarterfinals play each other, with the winners advancing to the finals.
- Finals: The winners of the semifinals play each other for the championship and the $200,000 grand prize.
Qualification
To qualify for the Overwatch World Cup, teams must earn a spot through the Overwatch Contenders series, which is a series of regional tournaments and online qualifications. The top teams from each region earn a spot in the World Cup.
Regional Representation
The Overwatch World Cup features teams from six regions:
- Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan
- Europe: Europe, CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), and Latin America
- Americas: North America, South America, and Brazil
- China: A separate regional group featuring Chinese teams
Notable Teams and Players
The Overwatch World Cup has seen some of the most talented teams and players in the Overwatch esports scene. Some notable teams include:
- Team Korea: A dominant force in the World Cup, Team Korea has won the tournament twice.
- Team USA: A strong contender, Team USA has reached the finals twice.
- Team China: A rising power in the World Cup, Team China has reached the semifinals twice.
Viewership and Streaming
The Overwatch World Cup is broadcast live on various streaming platforms, including:
- Twitch: The official streaming platform of the Overwatch World Cup.
- YouTube: Live streams and highlight reels are available on the official Overwatch YouTube channel.
- Facebook Gaming: Live streams and highlight reels are available on the official Overwatch Facebook Gaming page.
Conclusion
The Overwatch World Cup is an exciting event that brings together the best Overwatch teams from around the world. With a rich history and a strong following, the tournament is a must-watch for any Overwatch fan. Make sure to mark your calendars for the next Overwatch World Cup and tune in to catch the action!
Table: Overwatch World Cup Format
| Stage | Format | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | Double-elimination bracket | $30,000 (3rd place) / $20,000 (4th place) |
| Playoffs | Quarterfinals, Semifinals, Finals | $200,000 (Grand Prize) |
Bullet Points:
- The Overwatch World Cup takes place in November and December.
- The tournament features 32 teams, divided into four groups of eight teams each.
- The top two teams from each group advance to the playoffs.
- The winner of the tournament earns $200,000.
- The Overwatch World Cup is broadcast live on Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming.