Overwatch League is returning to live events in China for 2021 season cover image

Overwatch League is returning to live events in China for 2021 season

The Overwatch League will feature three live in-person events. Three different teams will host these events that will feature reduced capacities at the venue.

The Overwatch League will return to live events - only in China. Activision Blizzard has announced three dates in China that will be open to the public at a reduced capacity. 

The Overwatch League 2021 kicks off this Friday with matches taking place online. COVID restrictions mean most of the games will take place remotely. However, the Overwatch League feels confident enough to host three in-person events in China.

When will the live events take place in China?

The three dates for the Chinese live games are as follows:

  • June 4 - 6: Hangzhou Spark (June Joust).
  • July 9 - 11: Shanghai Dragons (Summer Showdown).
  • August 7 - 8: Guangzhou Charge (Countdown Cup).

All three live events will take place with a reduced venue capacity in order to comply with local safety requirements. The Overwatch League expects the five China-based teams to travel to these events. The three Korea-based Overwatch teams will not travel to play in these LAN events. Matches taking place between a China-based team and a Korea-based team will feature the Chinese team competing onstage at the live event while their opponent competes from Korea remotely on Blizzard’s cloud tournament server.

A return to LAN for Overwatch

The Overwatch League returns for its 2021 season on April 16. Image Credit: <a href="https://twitter.com/overwatchleague/status/1375175654468096011" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">Overwatch League</a>.
The Overwatch League returns for its 2021 season on April 16. Image Credit: Overwatch League.

Like many other esports Leagues and tournaments, the Overwatch League had to pivot to an online format. 2020 was a big year for the League with plans to feature Home and Away format matches. But COVID played spoilsport.

For now, Overwatch League fans can expect to watch their favorite players and teams in action starting April 16 in the three live events in China.  

The host teams will release more details about the ticketing information and venue closer to the actual dates. 


Stay tuned to esports.gg for the latest Overwatch news and updates.