The Overwatch esports scene continues to push forward despite ongoing struggles with declining viewership, following the major restructuring that took place in 2024 after the Overwatch League (OWL) was shut down.
While the introduction of the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) has given the competitive scene a fresh start, 2025 has so far followed the downward trend seen in recent years. Reports suggest that while Blizzard is making efforts to reignite interest in Overwatch 2 esports, the numbers tell a different story.
Overwatch Esports Viewership Struggles in 2025
Esports Charts data indicates a slow start for Overwatch Esports in 2025. So far, eight tournaments have taken place this year, with the highest peak viewership recorded at nearly 150,000 fans for Crazy Raccoon Cup Five.
The OWCS regional qualifiers are currently underway, with Korea Stage One drawing the most attention. This event recorded a peak viewership of approximately 70,000, contributing significantly to the $65,000 total prize pool accumulated in 2025 so far.
For comparison, Overwatch esports saw a massive surge in interest in 2023 following the release of Overwatch 2. That year, over 100 tournaments were held, with the Overwatch World Cup 2023 reaching a peak of more than 300,000 viewers. However, even in 2023, the Overwatch League was struggling, with viewership nearly halving compared to its early 2022 numbers.
A major reason for this decline was attributed to Blizzard’s handling of the league, which included controversial decisions like exclusive YouTube broadcasting and financial disputes with teams. The collapse of the OWL in 2024 led to the formation of the OWCS, which initially sparked renewed interest. However, the numbers remain concerning—the 2024 OWCS Finals peaked at just half the Overwatch World Cup’s 2023 viewership.
Overwatch Esports (image via Getty)What’s Causing Overwatch Esports to Lose Viewers?
Several factors could be contributing to the ongoing decline in Overwatch esports viewership. One of the most significant reasons is the fading impact of the COVID-era gaming boom. With fewer people staying indoors, live stream audiences have naturally decreased across many esports titles.
Another key issue is Overwatch’s waning popularity. The transition from the original game to Overwatch 2, especially the shift to a 5v5 format, was met with heavy criticism from professional players and fans alike. The game’s development cycle also saw a long period of stagnation, with much-anticipated PVE content failing to meet expectations.
Competition from emerging titles has further strained Overwatch’s esports appeal. Marvel Rivals, a new hero-based shooter, has quickly gained traction, pulling players and potential esports fans away from Blizzard’s ecosystem.
Despite these setbacks, Blizzard is still pushing to keep Overwatch esports alive. The introduction of the new Perks system in Overwatch 2 aims to bring fresh competitive mechanics, potentially attracting more players back to the game.
Additionally, the inclusion of Overwatch 2 in the 2025 Esports World Cup could offer a much-needed boost to its competitive scene. With the Olympic Committee showing increasing interest in esports, there is hope that Overwatch could gain exposure to a broader audience, helping to reignite its presence in the professional gaming terrain.
Overwatch Esports (image via Getty)Can Overwatch Esports Make a Comeback?
While the numbers indicate a downward trend, Overwatch esports is not entirely out of the fight. Blizzard’s continued investment in competitive updates, international events, and collaborations—such as the recently announced Overwatch 2 x K-pop group LE SSERAFIM partnership—shows a commitment to keeping the game relevant.
The expansion of the OWCS into China for the 2025 season also opens new opportunities for growth. The Chinese market has historically been a stronghold for competitive gaming, and if Overwatch can re-establish a foothold there, it may provide the momentum needed to stabilize its esports scene.
However, with growing competition from rival games and ongoing concerns about Blizzard’s handling of the franchise, the future remains uncertain. If Overwatch 2 can capitalize on major upcoming events like the Esports World Cup and leverage its new gameplay features effectively, there is still a chance for the scene to recover. But if current trends continue, Overwatch esports may continue its slow decline, leaving fans wondering if its golden era is truly over.
