Fiesta Bowl brings Overwatch Championship to the Valley
Dec 23, 2017, 6:15 AM
(Fiesta Bowl/Blizzard Photo)
(Fiesta Bowl/Blizzard Photo)
PHOENIX — Thanks to a partnership between the Fiesta Bowl organization and Blizzard Entertainment, there is going to be more than just football associated with the bowl game.
Four collegiate esports teams will head to Arizona for the semifinals and championship of this year’s Tespa Overwatch Collegiate Series.
“With the explosive growth of esports, we identified this opportunity to broaden our footprint and get involved right at our sweet spot – intercollegiate competition. Partnering with Blizzard Entertainment once again puts us at the top of the college game, in a slightly different arena,” Fiesta Bowl Executive Director Mike Nealy said.
“Now is a perfect time to become a part of a new frontier for college gaming. These are highly-talented and dedicated students showcasing their skills.”
A total of 318 schools participated in the competition and now it’s down to just four teams from UC Berkeley, University of Toronto, UC Irvine and UC San Diego. The teams will battle for the championship, along with six scholarships that will be divided evenly among the team.
“The passion and tradition of college football are a perfect match to the drama and excitement of Overwatch collegiate esports,” CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment Mike Morhaime said,“We’re excited to see some of the top college Overwatch players competing for scholarships and glory as part of the Fiesta Bowl festivities.”
The battle begins Feb. 17 at Arizona State.
Following the championship, ASU will take on in-state rival University of Arizona in an exhibition match.
