Overwatch 2 will see the return of the Overwatch World Cup in 2023, Blizzard proclaims. The main worldwide competitors for the FPS sport has been absent for the previous three years, with Overwatch League execs carrying the cardboard for the esports scene. Now, as soccer followers worldwide put together for the FIFA World Cup Closing between Argentina and France, Overwatch 2 is making ready to deliver collectively 36 nationwide groups to compete for its trophy.
The Overwatch World Cup 2023 is deliberate to begin in June 2023, with regional qualifiers happening to find out the highest 16 groups that may compete within the Group Stage and Finals in autumn 2023. Blizzard says that it’ll announce the competing international locations and areas in January, at which era it’ll additionally open purposes for every competitors fee that can be accountable for tryouts and group choice.
Whereas it may appear probably that these spots can be dominated by Overwatch League and Overwatch Contenders execs, Blizzard is internet hosting an open match in February known as the World Cup Trials that may internet the profitable gamers a assured spot in tryouts for his or her group. Those that fall quick will have the ability to enroll from March – Blizzard says that you just’ll should be not less than Diamond rank in Overwatch 2 aggressive play, though we suspect the profitable entrants will come from greater up the ladder. It’s at all times pretty to see an underdog story, although!
Together with attending to see the world’s finest Overwatch 2 gamers in motion, followers can even get quite a lot of in-game Overwatch 2 challenges and rewards to rejoice the match because it progresses. Hopefully we’ll additionally get our palms on group skins as nicely!
It’ll be fascinating to see which international locations star within the match – South Korea is more likely to be a favorite, having held a vice grip on the trophy for its first three years, however they’ll have to beat reigning Overwatch World Cup champions america, who defeated South Korea within the 2019 semi-finals earlier than securing the trophy towards China.
The Chinese language Overwatch 2 scene has solely continued to flourish since then, so they need to even be thought-about severe contenders – though the current expiration of a Blizzard China cope with Netease has thrown the scene into turmoil. There’s additionally more likely to be some notable competitors from the likes of France, Sweden, Canada, and Denmark, and naturally the UK will probably be there in drive, hoping for a greater exhibiting than their disappointing 2019 efficiency.
As Overwatch 2 season 2 continues, the primary notable Overwatch 2 patch notes of season 2 are right here, with Blizzard teasing a “mushy rework” for Roadhog alongside nerfs for Doomfist and buffs to newcomer Ramattra’s skills. We’ve additionally received a information to all of the Overwatch 2 Winter Wonderland skins on supply in 2022, so you’ll be able to rejoice the season in fashion.
