The Overwatch World Cup returns this year at Anaheim, California in November 2019. If that sounds very familiar, it is, because the Overwatch World Cup will happen concurrently at this year’s BlizzCon.

Bringing Something New

A new tournament structure has been introduced to create the chance of seeing more nations represented at the World Cup. This change will offer opportunities for all eligible countries to form teams to play for the Group Stage. This year, the entire tournament will take place in Anaheim, all within one week of competitive celebration, which will be broadcast live to platforms around the world.

Format

The Preliminary Round will start before BlizzCon doors are even open. Fans will be able to watch the games online. Once BlizzCon kicks off with the Opening Ceremony on Friday, 1 November, the Group Stage will commence, with multiple matches being played simultaneously. Finally, the top six teams from the Group Stage will advance to the single-elimination playoff bracket to award the Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in the BlizzCon Arena on Saturday, 2 November.

Spectators Rejoice

All matches are covered and will be broadcasted live. This year also features international coverage teams to produce live broadcasts onsite in multiple languages. These teams will have direct access for player interviews, and there will be opportunities for you to submit questions as well, bringing you to the sidelines of the action.

National Rankings

This year, before matches start, countries will be seeded by a weighted point-ranking system based on final placements in the three previous Overwatch World Cups.

Points are awarded along a spectrum ranging from 1 point for a Round of 32 appearances to 10 points for a Gold Medal.  The points accrued over those previous years are weighted to favour recency: 100% for 2018, 50% from 2017, and 25% from 2016.

Ties between the two countries will be settled by the most recent year’s results; then, if required, by the most recent head-to-head results.

Competition Committees and players for the 10 highest-ranked teams confirmed to compete at BlizzCon will receive full support for round-trip airfares, ground transportation, and double-occupancy hotel accommodations. All other eligible countries that confirm their attendance will be fully responsible for their travel and will receive some support for hotels.

The Competition Committee

The committee voting process returns with some small changes. This year, players and fans will be to determine the General Manager position.

How To Get Involved?

Committees will be built via the following processes across Phase 1 (15 to 24 May) and Phase 2 (30 May to 9 June).

Player Tryouts and Country Promotion will take place during Phase 3 (13 to 14 June).

To be a final Committee candidate or a competing player, you must be over the age of 18 by the time travel is required.

• Phase 1 – Committee Application and Nomination: Self-identified candidates will be provided with a custom URL to share, which will allow all players from the candidates’ country of residence to endorse them. During this phase, individuals may endorse as many candidates as they wish.
• Phase 2 – Committee Voting: After endorsements, the top candidates will be revealed prior to a runoff vote for each country. All players from the candidates’ country of residence may cast one final vote.
• Phase 3 – Player Tryouts: Committees may hold player tryouts from13 to 14 June at their individual discretion. Guidelines will be provided to the teams directly during this stage in order to allow them to build their rosters with full awareness of the Competition Rules and monetary support details. Committees will then submit their potential player list, which may contain up to 12 players, for Blizzard to verify and approve. Of the approved players, the committee will then select the final 7 players to travel to the live event at BlizzCon.

How To Stay In The Loop?

To keep yourself updated of the event, be sure to follow the Overwatch Path to Pro Twitter account, as well as the official Overwatch World Cup website for information on the phases and announcements in regards to the final national competition committees and player rosters through these channels.

If you have lingering queries about the format, committees or what not, feel free to drop by the FAQ listed down below the World Cup page here.