Overwatch Champions Series 2024: Viewership Highlights
The Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) 2024 concluded with a significant increase in viewership, capturing the attention of nearly 160,000 peak viewers during its finals at DreamHack Winter in Stockholm. This marked a notable event in the Overwatch esports calendar, although it still fell short of the viewership heights once enjoyed by the now-disbanded Overwatch League (OWL).
Viewership Trends in Overwatch Esports
The OWCS finals became the highlight of Overwatch esports in 2024, attracting 159,918 peak viewers with an average audience of 94,469. This made it the most popular Overwatch event of the year. Despite this success, it’s worth noting that the OWCS had limited major events in 2024, with only one other significant tournament taking place at the Esports World Cup (EWC).
The earlier Major event in 2024 garnered a peak of 125,000 viewers, while the EWC managed just over 100,000. This indicates a steady but cautious interest in Overwatch esports, following the restructuring of its competitive landscape.
Key Matches and Teams
The OWCS 2024 finals saw a thrilling Grand Final match between Team Falcons and Crazy Raccoon. Crazy Raccoon emerged as the event’s most popular team, achieving around 770,000 hours watched. Meanwhile, Team Falcons, who clinched the title, accumulated 600,000 hours watched, placing them third in terms of viewership. Toronto Defiant secured the second position with 654,000 hours watched.
The Saudi-based Team Falcons’ victory was especially noteworthy as they outperformed established former OWL teams like Toronto Defiant and NRG Shock. Their success was bolstered by talented players from the former Dallas Fuel roster, the champions of the 2022 OWL.
The New Era of Overwatch Esports
The OWCS was established following the OWL’s dissolution in 2023, co-created by Blizzard and the ESL FACEIT Group. This new league aims to redefine Overwatch esports, focusing on creating engaging and competitive events. The finals at DreamHack Stockholm marked the first major event under this new structure.
Despite its success by 2024 standards, the OWCS finals did not reach the peaks of Overwatch’s historical best-performing tournaments. The esports community remains hopeful for continued growth and engagement in the future.
Future Prospects for Overwatch Esports
As Overwatch esports progresses, the OWCS is expected to play a crucial role in revitalizing the scene. The steady increase in viewership suggests a positive trend, and there is potential for even greater engagement as more events and tournaments are organized.
The collaboration between Blizzard and ESL FACEIT Group is key to fostering a vibrant and sustainable competitive environment. With new strategies and ongoing support, the Overwatch Champions Series aims to recapture the excitement and passion that once defined Overwatch esports at its peak.
Conclusion
The Overwatch Champions Series 2024 showcased promising developments in the world of Overwatch esports, with increased viewership and competitive excitement. While challenges remain, the OWCS is poised to bring new life to the scene, offering fans thrilling matches and memorable moments. As the series continues to evolve, the potential for growth and success is substantial, paving the way for a bright future in Overwatch esports.
