The Overwatch Masters Gaming Arena (MGA) 2016 Championship is one of the few major Overwatch tournaments that will include the Asia region, along with North America and Europe. Recently announced with $75,000 prize pool, the MSI-sponsored tournament will involve online qualifiers, where the top 8 teams will proceed to the regional finals. Winners of each region will then proceed to the grand finals to take place at London on December 7-8.
But how would a three-way grand finals work? By adding in another team, sponsored by MSI. The four teams will then compete to win the $40,000 grand prize.
With the ESL Overwatch Atlantic Showdown and ELEAGUE’s Overwatch Open strictly a competition between the two regions of NA and EU, adding in Asia should make this an interesting affairs. The folks over there have always been weary about when the Asians are coming, due to the tendency of teams from Korea, China and even South East Asia being really good in most e-sports scene. While competitive FPS has never been where Asia is strong at- with the teamplay and MOBA-esque mechanics in Overwatch, it could be anyone’s guess if Asia can make a big impact.
It will be interesting to watch for sure. The regional finals and grand finals will be broadcasted on MSI’s Twitch.
Registration is still open until the 27th September. Teams interested to take part can register here.
These are the dates of each part of the Overwatch MGA 2016 Championship:
REGIONAL ONLINE QUALIFIERS
Americas – October, 4-5 (Tuesday & Wednesday), 18:00 – 23:00 (PDT)
Europe – October, 7-8 (Friday & Saturday), 18:00 – 23:00 (BST)
Asia – October, 10-11 (Monday & Tuesday), 18:00 – 23:00 (CST)
REGIONAL FINAL
Americas – October, 14-15 (Friday & Saturday), 18:00 – 23:00 (PDT)
Europe – October, 17-18 (Monday & Tuesday), 18:00 – 23:00 (BST)
Asia – October, 20-21 (Thursday & Friday), 18:00 – 23:00 (CST)
GRAND FINAL
London, United Kingdom – December, 7-8 (Wednesday & Thursday), 18:00 – 23:00 (GMT)
Venue: Gfinity Arena, London, United Kingdom