Overwatch 2 esports fans have a lot to look forward to with the revamped Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) 2026 circuit and Overwatch World Cup this year.
Blizzard recently shared the OWCS 2026 roadmap, which includes the addition of a partner program and the Pre-Season Bootcamp, in addition to regional stages around the world.
The OWCS 2026 will have four regional stages: North America, EMEA, Asia (consisting of Korea, Japan and the Pacific) and China. Each region will have its own competition leading up to a global tournament where the best from each region will qualify.
Blizzard hasn’t revealed any further information regarding the OWCS structure or the location of the global live event.
OWCS Partner Program and Pre-Season Bootcamp 2026
This year, the Partner Program will be ‘bigger than ever,’ according to Blizzard. The OWCS is expanding from nine teams to 11. It’s also adding Chinese teams to the program.
“While we’re not quite ready to reveal the full slate today, we’re excited to share this growth and can’t wait to welcome all 2026 Partner Teams!” Blizzard stated.
A new addition to the Overwatch Champions Series is the Pre-Season Bootcamp. Partner Teams will have the opportunity to train in Seoul, Korea in February. The teams will have scheduled scrims and the chance to improve their skills going into the OWCS.
Alongside the revamped Overwatch Champions Series will be the return of the Overwatch World Cup. Teams from around the world will compete in three different conferences in hopes of qualifying for the Finals at BlizzCon 2026.
As you can see above, the committee applications have been open since November 2025. Starting in Spring 2026, the Overwatch World Cup team selection begins and rosters will be revealed. There will be a conference cup for Asia, EMEA and America. This is followed by online qualifiers in the summer, which leads to the top teams competing live at a yet-to-be-announced location. BlizzCon will take place in September 2026.
