[Wishko]

Разработчики Overwatch 2 опубликовали новую статью из серии "Еженедельный сбор", в которой регулярно делятся разной информацией о своих подходах к работе над игрой, успехах и неудачах, новинках и прочих волнующих их и игроков моментах. В свежей заметке авторы рассказали о кубке мира по Overwatch, который состоится на BlizzCon 2026.

• На BlizzCon 2026 состоится турнир Overwatch World Cup, в котором сильнейшие игроки Overwatch 2 посоревнуются за звание лучших.
• На нем появятся как знакомые сообществу киберспортсмены, так и новые лица.
• Для разработчиков Overwatch киберспортивные события по игре очень важны и они всячески стараются их поддерживать.
• Разработчики надеются, что во многих смыслах Overwatch World Cup 2026 станет впечатляющим для всех зрителей – как тех, кто будет наблюдать за ним из дома, так и тех, кто посетит мероприятие вживую.

Weekly Recall: World Cup, Once Again

Hi, everyone! On November 5, we got to share the exciting news that the Overwatch World Cup will be returning to BlizzCon in 2026. Teams from across the globe will mobilize and compete in regional qualifiers before throwing down for glory (and a gleaming trophy) in the BlizzCon Arena.

This tournament means a lot to Team 4 and longtime esports fans, but we recognize that 2026 might be the first World Cup many of you get to experience. We can’t think of any better candidate to explain why you should tune in and take up a flag for your favorite team than our associate hero designer Scott Kennedy. You may know him as “Custa” from his previous life as an Overwatch esports pro.

We’ll let Scott, who competed for Team Australia in the 2018 Overwatch World Cup, tell you about his experience, the community this tournament inspires, and why you should join the crowd next year.

When the first Overwatch World Cup kicked off in 2016, I was sitting at a desk several thousand miles away from my hometown of Adelaide, Australia. I headed to North America the year before to start my career as a professional Overwatch player. I remember wild matches and Seagull emoting on stage, but that’s not what stuck with me about watching that first global throwdown.

Chasing a dream can sometimes feel isolating; seeing fans and players from across the globe come together to cheer, compete, and build a community drew me in. I wanted to be a part of that world—that home away from home. After watching Team Australia from afar another year, I made it a personal goal to help represent my home country when the 2018 Overwatch World Cup came around.

Thankfully, Team Australia needed a veteran presence (“veteran” in esports years is much younger than you’d think) and I was happy to provide it for the hungry, dedicated Aussie players I joined up with. At the World Cup Qualifiers in Bangkok, we punched our ticket to BlizzCon alongside Team China.

Unfortunately, our 2018 BlizzCon run wasn’t exactly legendary: as one of the lower seeds, Team Australia headed into quarterfinals against Team South Korea, who had won both previous World Cup titles and would go on to win 2018’s trophy. I wish I could say we gave them a run for their money, but I ended up playing Torbjörn to disrupt GOATS. You can guess how that went.

We may not have brought home a title, but for both myself and Team Australia, it didn’t matter. While I had experience playing on the Overwatch League stage, many of my younger teammates—guys like Trill, Punk, Hus, and CKM—had never played in front of a crowd as enormous as the one BlizzCon attracts.

The sound of fans cheering so loudly they shake the rafters, the sight of flags waving in the crowd, and the buzz of electric air that only shows up in the heat of competition? That’s what Team Australia won. That exact feeling is why I’m so excited that the Overwatch World Cup is back in 2026 for a new generation of players and fans to experience.

New Stories, New Stars

The Overwatch esports scene was my home for many years, but it can admittedly have a high barrier for entry. It’s difficult for people to dive into a world full of existing rivalries, storylines, and established players.

In contrast, the Overwatch World Cup is essentially a blank canvas. Sure, there might be some historic beef between countries that have faced off before, but an entirely new story begins once qualifiers kick off. It’s never been easier to jump in and take a side. You can root for your home country or find another team that warms your heart. Do you back the top contenders or root for the underdogs, hoping they can secure a ticket to BlizzCon against all odds?

There will also be plenty of new talent to support in 2026. Dozens of Overwatch esports players started their careers or stepped into the spotlight through performances in World Cup matches. This next generation of players will get to don the jersey of their country and head into battle. They’ve worn team jerseys, but I promise—wearing their country's colors will inspire an entirely unique feeling of pride.

The World Cup hands players a chance for esports stardom, but that’s likely not the main motivator for joining the fight; it never was for me. The excitement of playing on stage is incomparable, and it can’t be replicated in online tournaments, no matter how lucrative they are. Even if these new players don’t end up in the Grand Finals, they make it to a place where they can network, meet fans, and really feel at one with a community they’ve rarely been able to experience.

All Together Now

This tournament obviously offers a lot to the esports scene, but it exists because of the Overwatch community. If 2026 is your first time experiencing the World Cup and you’re wondering why you should pick up a flag or nab a seat in the arena, I’m happy to convince you.

Many of us grew up on BlizzCon and see it as a special moment where we finally get to spend time with the people and games that give us joy. What you may not realize is how many directions that goes in. Fans get to meet players, players get to see their impact by meeting fans, and everyone gets to finally squad up in real life. And even if you’re new to the concept of esports or the Overwatch World Cup, your fellow fans will happily take you under their wing. You might even make some new friends!

Being a part of the Overwatch World Cup bridged a gap for me, both personally and professionally. I got to be a part of something special that brought me a piece of home I’d been missing. I’m confident that community, made up of people who’ve been filling World Cup arenas for ten years, would be thrilled to save you a seat in 2026. I hope you take them up on it.[Источник]