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This cements myriad speculation from the Overwatch esports space as to whether the title would be featured at the Esports World Cup. However, this is not the only time Overwatch Esports will or has been featured in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Saudi eLeague featured Overwatch last year in May. This sets the precedent for Overwatch's participation within the region and its organizers. That said, what does the Esports World Cup entail and provide to viewers?? Spirit Dragon spotted in Toronto! ??#Overwatch2 ? #EsportsWorldCup is getting closer and closer!
What Hero would fit the best to represent Riyadh? pic.twitter.com/MhE4a5wCX7 — Esports World Cup (@ESWCgg) March 11, 2024
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia announced the Esports World Cup toward the tail end of 2023.
"The Esports World Cup is the natural next step in Saudi Arabia's journey to become the premier global hub for gaming and esports," he stated.
The Esports World Cup will feature a multi-title format including many of the most prominent titles.
The focus of the Esports World Cup sits on crowing the "world's best club".
This flanks the announcement from the Esports World Cup's "Club Program".
“Clubs accepted into the Program that show competitive excellence, draw the most viewership, and generate social engagement leading up to and during the World Cup will be eligible for an annual six-figure payout” the website reads.
The Esports World Cup will also include "life-changing prizes" and will "offer the largest prize pool in the history of esports."
On January 23, Activision Blizzard announced the beginning of the next step for Overwatch esports.
Title the "Overwatch Champions Series" (OWCS) this global tournament series would serve as a successor to the Overwatch League (OWL).
"The 2024 season will feature multiple competitive stages where each region will have its own set of Open Qualifiers," the company wrote.
"[...] giving players the ability to form their own teams and battle it out for their place in the Main Event.
"The stages will culminate in two live, in-person international events."
"[...] bringing the regions together for the pinnacle of Overwatch play on the largest stage ever for Overwatch Esports."
According to a press release, the Overwatch Champions Series will "serve as an opportunity for Esports World Cup qualification."
The details of qualifications for the Esports World Cup through the Overwatch Champions Series have not yet been announced.