Key Takeaways:
- Geekay Esports and Al Qadsiah lead their regions with hard-fought victories.
- Crazy Raccoon and 13 others have secured spots in the Midseason Championship.
- Two final team slots remain open, promising more drama before July 31.
The Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) has locked in its top teams for the Midseason Championship, with 14 squads from six regions officially qualifying. The high-stakes tournament is set to unfold in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the Esports World Cup (EWC) from July 31 to August 3, 2025.
Regional Rivals Clash in NA and EMEA
North America’s Geekay Esports triumphed in Stage 2, but their road was anything but smooth. Despite an undefeated regular season, they suffered a setback against Team Liquid in the playoffs. However, a 3-0 sweep over NTMR and a revenge-filled 4-3 Grand Final win against Liquid cemented their comeback story.
In EMEA, Al Qadsiah seized their moment of redemption. After falling short in Stage 1, they overcame Twisted Minds twice in the Stage 2 playoffs to claim the regional crown. Meanwhile, previous champions Virtus.pro fell short of the finals, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the region’s competitive scene.
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Notable Omissions and Rising Contenders
While many familiar names made it to the Midseason Championship, some fan favorites fell short. Team Falcons—last stage’s Champions Clash runners-up—were eliminated early after a 4-2 defeat to Crazy Raccoon in Korea’s quarterfinals. That said, they could still return via the Last Chance Qualifier (July 17–19), or by securing the final spot through the FACEIT League SA Master (ending July 13).
This opens the door for surprises in the coming weeks, as lesser-known teams could upset expectations heading into Riyadh.
$1.05M on the Line at the Esports World Cup
The Midseason Championship promises intense action, beginning with a two-day Group Stage followed by a single-elimination playoff bracket. The competition will determine who walks away with the lion’s share of the $1.05 million prize pool.
Powerhouse Crazy Raccoon is favored to repeat its past success, but Geekay Esports and Al Qadsiah have made strong cases for contention. With more teams yet to qualify, the field remains wide open for a potential dark horse to make a deep run.
Conclusion:
The OWCS Stage 2 Midseason Championship is shaping up to be a highlight of the Esports World Cup 2025. With elite teams, high-stakes rivalries, and a massive prize pool on the line, Overwatch 2 fans are in for a thrilling showdown in Riyadh.
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