After creating an “esports stadium” in Taipei, Tawain, Blizzard is preparing tournaments to fill its new seats.
First up is the developer’s new first-person shooter: Overwatch. Earlier today, Blizzard announced the Asia Pacific Overwatch League tournament series, which will pit eight of the Asia Pacific regions’ top tier teams against each other in a weekly tournament format. And they’re fighting for a huge amount of money—a prize pool totaling around $273,000, Blizzard said.
Taiwanese teams ahq Esports Club, Flash Wolves, and Machi Esports, Japanese teams DeToNator GOLD and SunSister, Thai team FireBall; Hong Kong–based roster Hong Kong Attitude, and Australian lineup Blank Esports will compete against each other in the 13-week tournament beginning April 8.
Though many of these teams are likely unfamiliar to North American and European fans, a few organizations stand out. Flash Wolves and ahq Esports, in particular, have seen success in League of Legends.
Though the tournament itself kicks off April 8, Blizzard plans to officially unveil its Taipei-based esports arena on March 30. Blizzard co-founder Mike Morhaime will reportedly be on hand to open the arena’s doors. The event center will also likely field tournaments from other Blizzard titles like Hearthstone and Heroes of the Storm.
For fans unable to make it out to Taipei, the tournament will be streamed live on Blizzard Taiwan’s Twitch channel.
