Overwatch 2 esports now has a collegiate program. Here’s our clear breakdown of how the revamped Overwatch Collegiate program works and how to participate in it.
Perhaps it's time to equip that Sophomore Ruiz Illari or Delinquent Cole Cassidy skin because Blizzard Entertainment has announced the return of Overwatch Collegiate. Kicking off the 2025 to 2026 season this fall, the circuit is in partnership with the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE).
Overwatch 2 esports gets collegiate program
The revamped Overwatch Collegiate program includes two semester-long seasons, a new varsity division, a live LAN finals, and over $140,000 in scholarships. Students who are interested in competing can register now.
Overwatch Collegiate schedule and calendar
The Overwatch Collegiate program for the 2025 to 2026 calendar involves the Fall Homecoming 2025 season and Spring Championship one. Players can enter the Open and Varsity competitions. The Open is available to eligible institutions in the states and Canada while the Varsity division is available to institutions that are NACE members.
Overwatch Collegiate National Open explained
The National Open is part of the Fall Homecoming 2025 season. This competition involves the Swiss and Playoff stages. The first stage begins on Oct. 2. Then, the second stage begins on Nov. 8.
National Open | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | Registration goes from Aug. 5 to Sept. 22. |
| Requirements | Create a LeagueSpot account with a verified student email. |
| Stage 1 (Swiss) | Stage 1 goes from Oct. 2 to Oct. 30. This stage involves 10 rounds of swiss played over five weeks. |
| Stage 2 (Playoffs) | Stage 2 goes from Nov 8. to Nov. 6. This stage involves 16-team, single-elimination matches played over two weeks. |
| Prizing | The National Open features $28,000 USD in scholarships. |
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Overwatch Collegiate Varsity Premier explained
As for the Varsity division, it has the Varsity Premier during the Fall Homecoming 2025 season as well. This competition involves the Groups and Playoff stages, with the former kicking off on Sept. 8 and the latter starting on Nov. 3. In total the Fall Homecoming 2025 season has $42,000 USD in prizing.
Varsity Premier | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | Registration goes from Aug 5. to Sept. 2. |
| Requirements | Your school must be an NACE member and players need a LeagueSpot account with verified student email. |
| Stage 1 (Groups) | Stage 1 goes from Sept. 8 to Oct. 20. This stage involves up to seven rounds of round robin played over seven weeks. |
| Stage 2 (Playoffs) | Stage 2 goes from Nov. 3 to Nov. 16. This stage involves 32 teams and single-elimination matches played over three weeks. |
| Prizing | The Varsity Premier features $14,000 USD in scholarships. |
Overwatch Collegiate Homecoming Varsity Plus explained
There's also a Homecoming Varsity Plus event. This one gives NACE schools the chance to enter additional teams beyond the single Varsity Premier slot. It involves rank-based skill divisions and includes the Regional Ranked Division Groups and Playoff stages. The first stage begins on Sept. 15 while the second stage kicks off on Nov. 3.
Homecoming Varsity Plus | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | Registration goes from Aug 5. to Sept. 8. |
| Requirements | Your school must be an NACE member and players need a LeagueSpot account with verified student email. |
| Stage 1 (Groups) | Stage 1 goes from Sept. 15 to Oct. 30. This stage involves up to seven rounds of round robin played over seven weeks. |
| Stage 2 (Playoffs) | Stage 2 goes from Nov. 3 to Nov. 17. This stage involves six teams and single-elimination matches played over three weeks. |
Overwatch Collegiate Spring Championship 2026
As for the Spring Championship season, registration for it begins after the conclusion of the Fall Homecoming 2025 season. The LAN finals for this competition features $100,000 USD in scholarship prizing.
That's all for now. Will you duke it out in Overwatch 2's collegiate circuit? Stick around on esports.gg for more news and updates.
