Memories of the Overwatch Champions Series at DreamHack Dallas 2024

Blizzard’s revitalization of Overwatch’s competitive esports scene began earlier this year with the introduction of the Overwatch Champions Series. Replacing the Overwatch League, this new structure had an open format with online and in-person events. The company held its first two stages of the event and its summer Major earlier this year — and since the new stages have already begun, it’s brought back memories of watching said Major at DreamHack Dallas 2024.

DreamHack Dallas was the site of the OWCS’s first Major event, following Stages 1&2 (Stage 2 for the Asian regions started in August). While at DreamHack, I got to speak with both Bailey McCann, OWCS product lead, and Sean Miller, head of Overwatch esports, as well as several of the Overwatch 2 voice actors. McCann told me at the time, speaking about the new format, “This new open ecosystem for our players, it’s more accessible, serves their needs better and fulfills our original vision for Overwatch esports: An open, accessible, very authentic feel that is serving our community.”