Despite a noticeable decline in viewership, the Overwatch esports scene continues to push forward, buoyed by the major overhaul following the shutdown of the Overwatch League (OWL) in 2024.
Recent analytics suggest that while the launch and growth of the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) brought some renewed interest, the downward trajectory has persisted into 2025.
OWCS Activity and Viewership in 2025
So far in 2025, Esports Charts data shows a sluggish start. Eight tournaments have already taken place, with the Crazy Raccoon Cup Five reaching a peak of just under 150,000 viewers.
Among the ongoing OWCS regional qualifiers, Korea Stage One has emerged as the top performer, drawing nearly 70,000 peak viewers. This particular event also accounted for almost half of the year’s current prize pool, which totals $65,000.
Comparing the Present to Past Highs
Viewer engagement has diminished considerably since the high point in 2023, which coincided with the launch of Overwatch 2. That year saw over 100 tournaments, with the Overwatch World Cup 2023 drawing a peak audience of more than 300,000.
However, even in 2023, OWL viewership had already dropped to about half of its 2022 numbers. This drop was attributed largely to decisions by Blizzard that many considered mishandled—such as moving broadcasts exclusively to YouTube and failing to deliver on financial promises to teams.
From OWL to OWCS: A Restructured Format
Following the collapse of the OWL, Blizzard introduced the Overwatch Champions Series in 2024 as a non-franchised alternative. While the OWCS Major saw a momentary rise in viewers, the 2024 Finals only reached half the audience numbers seen during the 2023 Overwatch World Cup.
Why the Numbers Continue to Fall
Several factors are believed to be contributing to this ongoing decline. The end of pandemic lockdowns meant fewer people were at home to tune into live events.
Additionally, Overwatch’s popularity has been on a gradual slide. The wait for Overwatch 2 and its PVE features led to a period with minimal updates for the original game. Many professional players expressed dissatisfaction with the sequel, particularly criticizing the shift to a 5v5 format. Meanwhile, the rise of competing titles such as Marvel Rivals has drawn away a portion of the competitive audience.
Signs of Hope on the Horizon?
Blizzard remains committed to keeping the competitive scene alive. The newly introduced perk system in Overwatch 2 may help reignite enthusiasm among players and viewers.
There’s also potential for broader exposure thanks to the Olympic Committee’s recent involvement in esports, which could draw in new audiences to the Overwatch competitive space.
Moreover, Overwatch 2’s inclusion in the Esports World Cup 2025 presents a major opportunity to revitalize interest in a scene that is currently struggling to regain its former momentum.
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