The Overwatch League isn't the only competition for Blizzard's game with a bright future in 2019, as the company has just revealed some new international live events for the developmental Overwatch Contenders league.
The eight Contenders regions are split into two divisions from now on, with four regions each, which will determine invites to what are called Showdowns. These live events will see four regions send thier top teams to the Atlantic Showdown, while the other four will send theirs to the Pacific Showdown. These happen during the Overwatch League's mid-year break to help boost viewer potential and "player recognition from Overwatch League scouts."
The Pacific Showdown will host top teams from Australia, China, Korea, and the Pacific between May 24 and 26 in China, and the double elimination competition will see the top team from Pacific and Australia fight against the top two from China and Korea.
Teams from Europe, North America, and South America will face off in the Atlantic Showdown shortly after. From May 31 to June 2 the top team from South America will face the top two from Europe and the top three from North America in a double-elimination competition, but the location of this isn't confirmed yet.
Lastly we have the Gauntlet, described as the "pinnacle of the season", held from October 10 to 13 in another yet-to-be-announced location. All the top-performing regions will send teams from Season 2 into this event, with performances in both Showdowns determining invites. A group stage will be followed by double-elimination, and this is after the end of the Overwatch League season where teams are preparing to make signings.
Are you excited for all these new events?