Posted in: eSports, Games, Video Games | Tagged: blizzard, eSports, overwatch, Overwatch Contenders

Blizzard Is Launching A Minor League For 'Overwatch' called "Overwatch Contenders"

Published Mon, 22 May 2017 18:45:33 -0500

Time to add another level of controversy to the Overwatch eSports league onion. Multiple reports have been coming from pro teams that they're not happy with the way the new league is being developed, and now we've learned from Blizzard today that they're launching a new program called "Overwatch Contenders," which is essentially a minor league compared to the players who will be signed up for the official league.

"Season Zero" will take place in North American and Europe during the summer with an open signup for an online-only qualifier where teams will try to become one of eight in a tournament bracket for their region. Those teams would then compete in a tournament for a $50k prize. What's missing about all of this is what teams are officially part of the major league, whether established teams can compete in the minor league, and if winning this tournament will get you into the major league. And the reason that's important is because of where players see themselves and where Blizzard sees those teams.

You know we're going to hear drama from this decision any day now. Somewhere out there, there's a pro Overwatch team looking to take the major tournaments by storm, and Blizzard will now tell that team they're not good enough to compete against the best, but they can duke it out among the rest. That's going to anger a lot of people who end up being a part of the Contenders. Only time will tell to see how both leagues shape up as they continue to find their way, but Blizzard is certainly setting themselves up for criticism from competitors down the road.

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