The Overwatch Champions Series Stage 2 is entering its most exciting phase as the top teams from six competitive regions prepare to battle it out in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With the Esports World Cup setting the stage, the Midseason Championship will bring together fan favorites, regional powerhouses, and rising challengers in one of the most anticipated Overwatch tournaments of the year.
Stage 2 has delivered intense showdowns across North America, Europe, Asia, and China. Now, the spotlight turns to the final list of teams that have qualified for the Midseason Championship. This next phase will unfold during the fourth week of the Esports World Cup, offering a four day offline spectacle between July 31 and August 3. As the event draws near, fans can expect high stakes action from some of the most strategic and skilled Overwatch squads in the world.
From the Asia region, Crazy Raccoon stole the spotlight by eliminating former finalists Team Falcons, marking a major shift in regional dominance. Over in Korea, T1 and All Gamers Global have secured their positions, continuing the region’s strong presence in the international scene. Meanwhile, Japan’s hopes ride with VARREL, and the Asia Pacific region sends The Gatos Guapos, known for their unconventional tactics.
North America’s Stage 2 journey was dramatic, particularly for Geekay Esports. After an undefeated regular season, Geekay suffered a setback against Team Liquid in the regional playoffs. However, they stormed back with a clean 3 to 0 victory over NTMR, then went on to edge out Team Liquid in an intense 4 to 3 Grand Final. Geekay, Team Liquid, and NTMR all qualified, setting the stage for a triple threat from NA.
In the EMEA region, the rivalry between Al Qadsiah and Twisted Minds defined the playoffs. After falling to Virtus.pro in Stage 1, Al Qadsiah returned stronger in Stage 2, defeating Twisted Minds not once but twice to claim the title. With Virtus.pro also in the mix, the region will be sending a balanced trio to Riyadh.
China remains a region of consistent performance. Weibo Gaming, Team CC, and ROC Esports are the names to watch, each bringing their own meta defining strategies and aggressive tempo to the international stage. Yet two more teams are still to be determined. One spot will be awarded to the winner of the FACEIT League Season 5 SA Master, while the other will be earned through the Last Chance Qualifier happening mid July. Team Falcons, despite being knocked out in Korea, may still find a path back if they are invited to this final opportunity.
The Midseason Championship itself will kick off with a group stage on the first two days, followed by a single elimination playoff bracket. With a prize pool of 1.05 million dollars on the line, the tournament will not only crown a winner but redefine power rankings ahead of the year’s second half.
Crazy Raccoon may be entering as favorites, but the momentum behind teams like Geekay Esports and Al Qadsiah cannot be ignored. With so many evolving metas and unexpected picks shaping recent matches, fans should brace themselves for upsets and surprises. This championship is not just a midseason pit stop but a defining battleground where legacies can be forged or broken.
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