The worldwide classic returns for the first time since 2019, bringing the Overwatch World Cup in 2023 to Overwatch 2.
Missing in action since 2019, the Overwatch World Cup will return in 2023. This will be the first time the worldwide tournament will take place in Overwatch 2, with 36 vying for the title. Utilizing online trials and qualifiers, the LAN-based finals will see the top 16 teams battle for gold in June.
Will the United States repeat its storybook run from 2019? Is South Korea the frontrunner? What's China even going to be doing, given that Overwatch 2 isn't even currently available there?
Blizzard answered many of these questions, so let's take a look.
Overwatch World Cup 2023: 36 teams, six groups
Taking place over trial weekends in February and formed in April the 36 teams in Overwatch World Cup 2023 will be split into six regions. In June the teams will compete for the 16 slots at the grand finals.
The teams include:
Americas Conference (AMER):
AMER A | AMER B |
Canada | Argentina |
Costa Rica | Brazil |
Guatemala | Chile |
Mexico | Colombia |
Puerto Rico | Ecuador |
United States | Peru |
Asia-Pacific Conference (APAC):
APAC A | APAC B |
Chinese Taipei | Australia |
Hong Kong | India |
Indonesia | Malaysia |
Japan | New Zealand |
Philippines | Singapore |
South Korea | Thailand |
Europe and Middle East Conference (EMEC):
EMEC A | EMEC B |
Belgium | Germany |
France | Norway |
Great Britain | Poland |
Italy | Saudi Arabia |
Netherlands | Sweden |
Spain | Turkey |
What about China?
Now, you may be wondering "What about China?" Given that recent disruptions to the Blizzard/Netease relationship essentially killed all Blizzard games in the region, the Overwatch World Cup has a special stipulation in place.
"Given the current dynamics in China, and that a team from China has always performed very well, including two second place finishes in the last two Overwatch World Cups, a Team from China will receive a direct invitation to the Group Stage. There will be no World Cup Trials in China, and the Team will not compete in the Online Qualifiers. The tryouts process in China will differ from that of other countries/regions. We will share more information with players in the China region regarding that process directly."
Blizzard notes that teams from countries not listed will have their shot in the double-elimination tournament. This will come in the form of a wild card challenge, to be announced Feb. 1. Prize details have yet to be revealed.
The different stories and angles at work for this return of the Overwatch World Cup in 2023 should be a sight to behold. If you're looking to get in on the action then check out all the details over on Blizzard's OWWC page.
Keep eyes on Esports.gg for more Overwatch World Cup 2023 information as it becomes available.