Overwatch 2 Unveils 2025 OWCS Partner Teams

Overwatch 2 has announced its partner teams for the 2025 Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS), marking a significant milestone in the game’s esports ecosystem. The partnership program, introduced as part of the revamped competitive structure, aims to provide enhanced support and visibility to selected organizations across three major regions.

Regional Breakdown of Partner Teams

EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa)

1. Gen.G
2. Twisted Minds
3. Virtus.pro

North America

1. Spacestation
2. Team Liquid

Asia

1. Crazy Raccoon
2. T1
3. Team Falcons
4. Zeta Division

Spotlight on Partner Teams

EMEA Powerhouses

Gen.G enters the OWCS with a bang, signing former Team Falcons head coach Dae-hee “Crusty” Park. This move signals Gen.G’s serious intentions to dominate the EMEA region. Twisted Minds, fresh off their impressive 2024 performance, aims to maintain their momentum and secure spots in global live events. Virtus.pro, the dark horse of EMEA, looks to build on their near-miss of last year’s World Finals and prove themselves as top contenders.

North American Contenders

Spacestation Gaming makes a triumphant return to North America after a successful stint in EMEA, where they clinched two stage championships. Their proven talent-scouting abilities make them a team to watch. Team Liquid’s re-entry into Overwatch esports after a long hiatus adds an exciting element to the North American scene, with fans eager to see how they adapt to the current competitive landscape.

Asian Titans

The Asian region boasts a formidable lineup of partner teams. Crazy Raccoon, the Dallas Major champions and World Finals runners-up, field an impressive roster including four of the five 2024 Role MVPs. T1’s return to Overwatch esports as an independent entity promises to shake up the regional dynamics. Team Falcons, the reigning 2024 World Finals champions, aim to continue their dominance. Zeta Division, narrowly missing out on the previous World Finals, is poised to make a strong comeback.

Impact on the OWCS Ecosystem

The introduction of partner teams significantly alters the OWCS landscape. These organizations receive various benefits, including a share of proceeds from in-game team packs and branded cosmetics. This financial support aims to foster stability and growth within the Overwatch esports scene.

Partner teams gain automatic seeding into their respective regional Regular Seasons, bypassing the Open Qualifier stage. This advantage allows them to focus on preparation and strategy development while other teams battle through qualifiers.

Looking Ahead: OWCS 2025 Season

The 2025 OWCS season introduces several format changes to enhance viewer experience and competitive integrity. The season will feature four competitive regions: North America, EMEA, Asia, and China. Each stage begins with an Open Qualifier, followed by a Regular Season and Regional Playoffs.

A notable addition to the 2025 season is the implementation of Hero Bans during the Stage 1 Regular Season. This mechanic requires each team to exclude a single hero per map, adding a new layer of strategy and unpredictability to matches.

The season culminates in the OWCS 2025 Champions Clash, set to take place in Hangzhou, China. This live event will showcase the top two teams from each region, battling for supremacy on the global stage.

Community Engagement and Viewership Incentives

To boost engagement, OWCS 2025 will offer an array of viewership incentives, including exclusive in-game items like skins, sprays, icons, and name cards. The introduction of a Featured Co-Streamer program aims to foster community growth and provide alternative viewing experiences for fans.

Additionally, each partner team will have a dedicated co-streamer covering their matches, offering unique insights and perspectives on the gameplay.

As Overwatch 2 esports enters this new era, the partnership program and format changes promise an exciting and competitive 2025 season. Fans can look forward to high-stakes matches, strategic gameplay, and the continued evolution of the Overwatch competitive scene.