Overwatch League Schedule and May Tournament Announced
In a Watchpoint Post Show Interview, Overwatch League Vice President Jon Spector announced an all-new May tournament for all 20 Overwatch League teams to compete in, in lieu of the original plan of a mid-season tournament. The Atlantic and Pacific Divisions will participate in two separate regional tournaments, 7 teams in Asia and 13 teams in the North America region. In addition to the tournament, Spector announced that all 13 North American teams will all see intra-regional play, so that west coast teams can finally start facing up against those on the east coast.
Interested in more Overwatch Competitive News?
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlargeThe Setup
The two tournaments will play host to the teams based on their physical location throughout the world. Both tournaments
Asia: Chengdu Hunters, Hangzhou Spark, Seoul Dynasty, Shanghai Dragons, Guangzhou Charge, New York Excelsior, and London Spitfire
North America: Philadelphia Fusion, San Francisco Shock, Atlanta Reign, Vancouver Titans, Los Angeles Gladiators, Los Angeles Valiant, Paris Eternal, Florida Mayhem, Washington Justice, Toronto Defiant, Boston Uprising, Houston Outlaws, Dallas Fuel
North America specifically will have qualifying matches amongst the 13th-7th seeds, to see who participates in the playoffs from the tournament. The Overwatch League has also selected specific rules for the North American tournament in their announcement.
- Qualification: The 12 vs. 13 seed match does not count for prizing
- Knockouts: The 57 seeds get to pick their opponent, with the 5 seed selecting first.
- Quarterfinals: The 14 seeds get an automatic bye to this round, and the 1-3 seeds get to pick their opponent from advancing teams, with the 1 seed selecting first.
- Semifinals and Finals: Fixed matchups based on progression through the bracket.
Asia tournament specific rules include:
- All seven teams qualify with no qualification match.
- Quarterfinals: The 2 and 3 seeds get to pick their opponent, with the 2 seed selecting first.
- Semifinals and Finals: Fixed matchups based on progression through the bracket with the 1 seed getting an automatic bye into the semis.
Overwatch League Schedule
The Overwatch League has also released the schedule for the next three weeks of play.
Click to enlargeThe announcement of a May tournament certainly is a breath of fresh air for the Overwatch community, as Jon Spector ensured audiences in his interview, that this was something pro-players across the board wanted and supported. Hopefully, under the stakes of a playoff format, we can get some exciting Overwatch throughout the next month.
Images courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment
