OWCS Pre-Season Bootcamp Begins in Seoul as Elite Teams Prepare for 2026 Season

The Overwatch Champions Series kicked off its 2026 season in dramatic fashion as twelve of the world's best teams descended upon T1 Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea for an unprecedented pre-season bootcamp running from February 8-15. The invite-only program represents a major evolution in competitive Overwatch, bringing together elite squads from North America, EMEA, Asia, China, and Japan for intensive training and collaboration.

Hosted at the prestigious T1 Academy facilities in Seoul, the bootcamp provides participating teams with exclusive early access to the upcoming Season 1 competitive build and content that won't be available to the wider player base until later. This significant advantage allows teams to develop strategies and master new meta changes before OWCS Stage 1 begins in earnest. The structured environment includes daily scrims, coaching sessions, and opportunities to exchange insights with South Korea's broader competitive Overwatch community.

The week-long preparation will culminate in a 12-team live tournament held from February 13-15 (KST) at WDG Studio in Hongdae, one of Seoul's most vibrant entertainment districts. Fans can watch all the action unfold as teams showcase their refined strategies on the brand new Season 1 patch, providing the first glimpse of what the competitive landscape will look like in 2026. The tournament format ensures maximum competition and entertainment value for viewers worldwide.

Blizzard has sweetened the deal for fans by offering exclusive rewards for tuning in. Viewers who watch on February 13 and 14 can earn new Overwatch Esports lootboxes and unlock the first-ever in-game title for Esports, adding collectible value to the viewing experience. Content creator TL Ambush will be streaming live from T1 HQ with behind-the-scenes IRL content, player interviews, and exclusive access throughout the bootcamp.

The participating teams represent the pinnacle of competitive Overwatch, with 11 OWCS Partner Teams spanning four major regions plus one special invitational squad from Japan. This global representation ensures diverse playstyles and strategies will clash during the tournament, making for unpredictable and exciting matches. The cross-regional nature of the event also allows teams to test themselves against international competition before their regional leagues begin.

The OWCS Pre-Season Bootcamp signals Blizzard's commitment to elevating professional Overwatch esports in 2026 and beyond. By investing in player development, competitive infrastructure, and fan engagement initiatives, the bootcamp sets a new standard for how esports organizations can prepare teams for upcoming seasons while building hype among the community. With the tournament just days away, anticipation is building for what promises to be a spectacular showcase of the highest level Overwatch gameplay.