Travel expenses can pricey for Overwatch World Cup teams, especially if they come from a smaller region of the world. Blizzard Esports has just announced a Pacific region Invitational Tournament for select Overwatch World Cup teams.
With the Overwatch World Cup growing closer and closer, there’s been plenty of buzz growing on Reddit and Twitter. Many of the Overwatch World Cup teams have expressed their concern with being unable to afford to fly their team to Anaheim, California for Blizzcon. As a result, on September 21st and 22nd, Blizzard Esports, Overwatch Contenders, and The Foundry will be hosting an SEA Invitational Tournament.
The prize? Free round-trip airfare to Blizzcon to compete in the Overwatch World Cup.
Questionable Circumstances
There is a criticism to be had with the delay in the announcement of this event and of Overwatch League’s lack of support. Blizzard’s management of the tier 2 and tier 3 scene has always been questionable, and with hopes to establish Overwatch as a global esports, they need to support global communities on every level. Over at Blizzard, the teams from Overwatch League, Overwatch Contenders, and Overwatch World Cup should be working together to ensure that these events showcase the highest level of professionalism and performance.
Above all, the Overwatch World Cup is a unique esport event that pits countries against each other in the same fashion you would see at the Olympics.
When & where to watch
Teams representing Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand are competing for the grand prize, an opportunity to travel to the World Cup with minimal expenses. The event may also spark some exciting early rivalries. The format will be a single-elimination bracket with eight teams. The first-round will take place on the 21st, with both the Semifinals and Grand Finals on the 22nd. There is no Overwatch League happening at the same time as the SEA Invitational, but as it’s an Asian event the matches will be at an odd time for western audiences.
The games begin at 11am GMT or 4am Pacific Time so it’s either going to be a late-night or early morning for some. The English broadcast will be live on the Overwatch Contenders’ Twitch Channel.
Be sure to follow Dart Frog on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitch for all the latest Overwatch news and analysis.
