Blizzard’s Overwatch is a multiplayer shooter that has taken the video game competitive scene by storm. Since its launch a little over a year ago, a growing esports scene has emerged that includes multiple large teams, huge tournaments, and even its own World Cup that made its debut at BlizzCon. However, breaking into this highly competitive field can be extremely difficult for average players. Thankfully, Blizzard has created an amateur league for those looking to grow and push their skills to the absolute limit.
Called the Overwatch Open Division, this tournament allows users to compete against each other to not only see how they would fair in a competitive environment, but earn Blizzard eBalance money as prizes. Starting officially on July 3, this tournament will continue into August with the final 8 teams battling it out until August 27. From here a winner will be declared and rewards will be given out to all those who participated in the event. Players can either form a team by themselves or work as a free agent, however, if you are a free agent and no one has picked you up by June 22 you cannot compete.
Here are the requirements if you want to apply for the Overwatch Open Division:
- Must be at least 3,500 SR (Master) in Overwatch Season 4
- Must be at least 13 years old
- Players can only compete in their specific regions
- Free agents must sign up by June 22, 12:01 a.m. EST
- Teams must sign up by June 22, 12:01 a.m. EST
- Team Roster must be locked in by June 30
- This is PC only
The rewards for the first season of the Overwatch Open Division are as followed:
- First Place – Each player receives $50 in Blizzard eBalance
- Second Place – Each player receives $40 in Blizzard eBalance
- Third and Fourth Place – Each player receives $30 in Blizzard eBalance
- Fifth through Eighth – Each player receives $20 in Blizzard eBalance
- $10 in Blizzard eBalance for every player that completes all of their matches
All matches will be a Best of Seven with single map rotation and teams are allowed a five-minute pause time for each map in the overall match. If you are looking to break into the competitive Overwatch scene this is the best time to start, however, the climb to Masters will be a difficult one. Our best advice is learn to be a flexible player and master more than one hero. Being able to just play one character can be a detriment if the enemy counters you, so work on various heroes to allow for more options. This is going to be especially important for free agents who are hoping a team picks them up along the way.
The first season of the Overwatch Open Divison begins July 3 and ends August 27.