The first day of playoffs at the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) 2025 Midseason Championship has concluded, dramatically reshaping the competitive landscape. Four formidable teams have successfully navigated the initial crucible, earning their coveted berths in the tournament`s semifinals.
The Contenders and The Departed
In a series of high-stakes matchups, teams battled fiercely for survival. Twisted Minds asserted their dominance with a clear victory over Crazy Raccoon, marking their intent to challenge for the title. Not to be outdone, Al Qadsiah delivered a decisive blow to Virtus.pro, sending the European hopefuls home prematurely. Meanwhile, T1, a name synonymous with esports excellence, showcased their tactical prowess by dismantling Team Liquid with clinical precision. Finally, Team Falcons soared past Geekay Esports, securing the final spot in the elite four.
For the defeated — Crazy Raccoon, Virtus.pro, Team Liquid, and Geekay Esports — their journey at this championship has, regrettably, come to an end, highlighting the brutal single-elimination nature of playoff competition.
Riyadh: A Global Esports Epicenter
This electrifying championship, boasting a formidable $1 million prize pool, is currently unfolding on LAN in the vibrant city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Running from July 31st to August 3rd, the event underscores Riyadh`s growing prominence as a hub for major esports tournaments. The strong performance of Saudi-backed organizations such as Twisted Minds and Al Qadsiah reaching the semifinals adds a particularly compelling local narrative, demonstrating the significant investment and rising competitive strength within the region`s esports scene. It`s not merely a battle for a substantial cash prize; it`s a testament to the global reach and diverse talent pool of professional Overwatch.
Anticipation Builds for the Semifinals
With the playoff bracket now streamlined, anticipation for the upcoming semifinal clashes is reaching a fever pitch. These four teams represent the pinnacle of current Overwatch competitive play, each having demonstrated exceptional skill and strategic depth to reach this stage. Their upcoming battles promise to be nothing short of spectacular, as they vie for a spot in the Grand Finals. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting to see which two will emerge from this intense crucible to contend for the coveted Midseason Championship title, cementing their legacy in the Overwatch history books.
Gilbert Pendleton