With the 2019 season of Overwatch League quickly coming to a close, the league is looking ahead to the 2020 season. The upcoming 2020 season of Overwatch League is sure to be a game changer, not just for the league, but for eSports as a whole. Overwatch League 2020 will be leaving behind Blizzard Arena in Los Angeles and hitting the road. This is a revolutionary moment in eSports history.
When the league announced that their 2020 season would take place in the various cities (and countries) of the teams, everyone was curious as to how that would play out. Professional sports leagues have home and away games, but they are all located in North America, making it much easier to travel. Overwatch League spans the entire globe and the long travel times left us all wondering how they would pull it off.
It looks like the Overwatch League will expand on their concept of homestands that they experimented with this year. Instead of playing just home and away games, teams will host an event where a few teams all play in their designated arenas. This is an interesting way to do it and allows for other teams to get to play around the world. The first matches of the year take place in New York City and Dallas, and it will be exciting to see how it turns out.
This is what the Overwatch League has been building to for the past two seasons. You don't have teams tied to specific locations if you don't plan on becoming part of those locations. It is a method that will continue to build an identity for the various teams and allow fans from those places the opportunity to see their team in their hometown. It's unheard of in the eSports world and is a decision that will hopefully lead to the longevity of the league.
When Dallas and Atlanta hosted matches of the Overwatch League this season, fan excitement was at an all-time high. Those teams were able to channel the energy of their crowds and use it to their advantage, like a home game for every other sport. The 2020 season and its announcement has fans excited at the chance to see their favorite teams play in their hometowns. It's a wonderful time to be an Overwatch League fan.
The 2020 schedule is out and the world of Overwatch League and eSports will forever be changed when the season arrives. It is what the entire league has been leading to and will hopefully be a smashing success. Next year will be the make or break year of the league, but if fan excitement is any indication, Overwatch League will be flying high and traveling to a city near you for years to come.