Overwatch League 2022 - Schedule, format, prize pool, and more

It's been a long offseason, but the Overwatch League is finally making its return with its fifth season. Unlike previous years, OWL 2022 has a big selling point, which is Overwatch 2. 

Despite still being a beta, Blizzard has moved forward with the decision to use a special build of the sequel to spice things up in the Overwatch League. Shifting from a 6v6 to a 5v5 format, new modes, and heroes, OWL 2022 will offer a different viewing experience from the get-go. 

On top of all things we've mentioned, the League has prepared other new incentives to attract viewers and make things interesting as teams look to compete in a total of four tournament circuits throughout the year. 

If you're a veteran OWL fan or the recent launch of the Overwatch 2 PvP beta piqued your interest, here's everything you need to know about the Overwatch League 2022 season. 

Overwatch League 2022 - Schedule and format

The Overwatch League 2022 opening weekend is set to begin on 5th May, with matches played until the 8th. This is the first week of four that comprise the Kickoff Class tournament qualifier period.

There will be a total of four tournaments played in the season, these are:

• Kickoff Clash
• Summer Showdown
• Midseason Madness
• Countdown Cup

The Countdown Cup is scheduled to start on 21st October. From then, only regular-season playoffs will remain, more information about the post-season will be shared at a later date. 

Take a look at the full schedule down below: 

Not all tournaments will have the same weight. The first two are treated as regional events, with West and East teams playing one another, the Midseason Madness will be the first tournament that will aim to have teams from both regions play against each other.

Finally, the Countdown Cup will also serve as a play-in for the regular season playoffs.

13 teams will compete in the West region, with the seven remaining playing in the East division.

OWL 2022 Standings and League points

During the qualifier matches, teams will earn a League Point for each win. If they manage to qualify for one of the four tournaments, they'll receive an extra point, even if they don't win a match at the event.

Further League Points are also up for grabs at these tournaments:

• The second-place team at each regional tournament will receive two League Points, while the tournament champions will receive three League Points.
• At the Midseason Madness, the third-place team will receive two League Points, the second-place team three League Points, and the champions four League Points.

OWL 2022 West region teams

• Atlanta Reign
• Boston Uprising
• Dallas Fuel
• Florida Mayhem
• Houston Outlaws
• London Spitfire
• Los Angeles Gladiators
• New York Excelsior
• Paris Eternal
• San Francisco Shock
• Toronto Defiant
• Vancouver Titans
• Washington Justice

OWL 2022 East region teams

• Chengdu Hunters
• Guangzhou Charge
• Hangzhou Spark
• Los Angeles Valiant
• Philadelphia Fusion
• Seoul Dynasty
• Shanghai Dragons

Overwatch League 2022 - Map pool

With the decision to migrate the League to Overwatch 2, Assault, also known as 2CP, has been removed from the map pool as its no longer part of the main competitive ranked mode in the sequel.

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Taking its place is the brand-new push mode Push, which comes with two maps. The initial map pool features the following maps.

Overwatch League 2022 - Prize pool

At the moment, Blizzard has yet to confirm the full Overwatch League 2022 prize pool.

The devs did mention that the midseason and post-season tournaments will have a $1 million prize pool, with a full breakdown to be announced at a later date.

Overwatch League 2022 - Where to watch

You can watch all the action live on the Overwatch League YouTube channel. All the match VODs are available shortly after the broadcast ends.

For more on all things related to the Overwatch 2, including hero guides, tier lists, and more check out our dedicated section. We'll keep you in the loop with all the latest from Blizzard Entertainment.

Featured image courtesy of Blizzard Entertainment.