At the time, the first One Nation of Gamers Overwatch Invitational offered the biggest prize purse in Overwatch history, but since the fabulous $3000 finale it has been hard to come by any news of the highly anticipated sequel.

So I was surprised to see one of the event's sponsors, Video Game Voters Network, talking candidly about the VGVN/ONOG Overwatch Invitational 2 in an article speaking out on the issue of P1 visas. The prize pot, invited teams and schedule have all been unveiled with seemingly little fanfare and the initial stage kicks off tomorrow!

VGVN ONOG Banner

The rights of eSports competitors has become a hot topic in recent weeks with the U.S. Government legislation that was supposed to ensure they were entitled to the P1 athletes visa coming under increased scrutiny - specifically issues surrounding the games that are officially recognised as eSports.

You only have to consider the sorry situation of the EnVyUs roster currently residing in the United States for 3 months, but unable to compete in local LAN tournaments to see the implications for the fledging Overwatch eSports scene. VGVN and ONOG will be championing the cause over the next three weeks, using this tournament as a platform to raise awareness, and hopefully capture the hearts, minds and signatures of their viewership.

"During the VGVN/ONOG Overwatch Invitational 2, VGVN will collect signatures from viewers at vgvn.onog.gg and deliver them to policymakers at the conclusion of the event. VGVN will also encourage gamers to register to vote and continue to speak out about the importance of supporting the growing eSports scene."

So One Nation of Gamers are back once again with the fattest prize purse in Overwatch - Operation Breakout's $15,000 represents the largest amount to date, but may yet be eclipsed by JoshOG's $25,000 Invitational. This time around though potentially anyone can qualify to compete against the elite invitees, but with only four spots up for grabs through the open qualifiers the odds are stacked against all but the very best.

Ten teams will begin pool play over the next two upcoming weekends before progressing to the championship weekend where the best of the best will stake their claims to the loot.

Invited Teams

  • Cloud9
  • REUNITED.gg
  • Team Liquid
  • EnVyUs
  • Luminosity Gaming
  • Gale Force eSports

Schedule

Open Qualifiers

  • Tuesday 7th June - 6 PM EDT / 00:00 CEST (sign up)
  • Friday 10th June - 8 PM EDT / 02:00 CEST (sign up)

Pools

  • Saturday 11th June - 8PM EDT / 02:00 CEST

  • Sunday 12th June - 8PM EDT / 02:00 CEST

  • Saturday 18th June - 8PM EDT / 02:00 CEST

  • Sunday 18th June - 8PM EDT / 02:00 CEST

Playoffs

  • Friday 24th June - 8PM EDT / 02:00 CEST
  • Saturday 25th June - 8PM EDT / 02:00 CEST

Grand Finals

  • Sunday 26th June - 8PM EDT / 02:00 CEST

Those late starts are going to hit REUNITED.gg and Europe the hardest, but at least they will be just about able to complete a full run in the GosuGamers Weeklies beforehand if they are feeling masochistic. Mind you, that is only 8-9AM in Seoul and Sydney - let's go global!