Excitement is brewing for Overwatch 2 enthusiasts as the 2026 esports season promises to bring thrilling developments and competitions. This year marks the revamping of the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) and the return of the Overwatch World Cup, offering fans a dynamic competitive landscape.
New Horizons for OWCS 2026
Reports suggest that Blizzard has unveiled the OWCS 2026 roadmap, highlighting the introduction of a partner program and a Pre-Season Bootcamp. With regional stages set across North America, EMEA, Asia, and China, players everywhere are gearing up for intense competition culminating in a global tournament. The OWCS 2026 circuit will feature four regional stages, each leading up to a prestigious global event. However, further specifics about the structure and location of this live event remain under wraps.
Expansion of the Partner Program
This year promises an even larger Partner Program, expanding from nine to 11 teams, including the addition of Chinese teams. Although full details are yet to be disclosed, anticipation is high as the esports community looks forward to welcoming the 2026 Partner Teams. An exciting new Pre-Season Bootcamp is also on the horizon, offering Partner Teams the chance to hone their skills in Seoul, Korea, with organized scrims and training sessions.
The Return of the Overwatch World Cup
Accompanying the OWCS is the much-anticipated Overwatch World Cup. Teams will compete in three distinct conferences, aiming for a place in the Finals at BlizzCon 2026. Committee applications have been open since November 2025, with team selections and roster announcements set for Spring 2026. The competition will progress through a conference cup and online qualifiers, culminating in a grand live event, followed by BlizzCon in September 2026.
