Blizzard has announced multiple changes to the format of Overwatch Contenders in 2019. The Tier two Overwatch scene has seen multiple problems in the recent past. Ranging from low viewership to minimal prize money, the grassroots of Overwatch definitely seem to be suffering from the lacklustre support. For many Contenders players, their future is extremely uncertain and they have no job guarantee at all. This means that the Contenders is not working as intended. In fact, only one team has not declined an invitation to field Contenders team for 2019 Season 1.
We’re dividing the eight Contenders regions into two divisions, consisting of four regions each, to inform invites to our new Showdown live events. Four regions will send their top teams to the Atlantic Showdown, while the other four regions will send their top teams to the Pacific Showdown. We’ve positioned these live events during the Overwatch League mid-year break to maximize viewership potential and player recognition from Overwatch League scouts!
Isn’t it kinda weird to be stressed about your future in overwatch and the possibility of having to quit right after winning contenders and being a key factor in european overwatch for 2 years with 4 different rosters. Not sure how that makes me feel about path to pro.
— Davin (@Davin_OW) January 16, 2019
The Format
The format for these matches will mirror the Overwatch League in a manner. The teams will be divided into two divisions; namely the Pacific Division and the Atlantic Division.
Pacific Showdown.
From May 24–26, 2019, top teams from Australia, China, Korea, and the Pacific will face off in an intense double-elimination bracket.
- Dates: May 24–26
- Location: China
- Tournament format: Double Elimination
Teams Invited:
- Top 1 from Australia
- Top 2 from China
- Top 2 from Korea
- Top 1 from Pacific
Atlantic Showdown
Top teams from Europe, North America, and South America will meet in a double-elimination showdown between May 31–June 2.
- Dates: May 31–June 2
- Location: Europe or Americas
- Tournament format: Double Elimination
Teams Invited:
- Top 2 from Europe
- Top 3 from North America
- Top 1 from South America
The Gauntlet’s tournament format will emphasize interregional competition for maximum excitement. We’ve scheduled it after the conclusion of the 2019 Overwatch League season when teams will once again prepare to sign players for the following season.
The two sides of the Contenders will culminate in ‘The Gauntlet’. This will be the ultimate showdown for the Contenders. In order to maximise viewership and provide it with its own time; Blizzard has scheduled it after the Overwatch League. It will take place in October 2019 [ from October 10-13]. The location for the event is still not confirmed and we hope to see an announcement during the Overwatch league.
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