If You Were To Pick 5 OWL Cities, What Would It Be

Simple, just list your top 5 wishlist cities. Here are my 5.

1.) Seattle, WA - This city in particular is one of the major cities of e-sports gaming and is very popular. It is also one of the biggest cities of e-sports outside of California so other than just 3 CA teams for the far West, maybe Seattle could be a good spot? I think FaZe Clan is reasonable for having that spot if it were to happen, but I have a feeling that 2nd LA spot was made for FaZe itself.

2.) Colonge, Germany - Outside the US, Colonge is no doubt one of the biggest EU e-sports cities, also OW is in dire need of another EU team. Investing in this city for a spot is a great idea, after all it is one of the largest platforms of e-sports in general, meaning there is an audience. I would say any EU team could actually buy the spot itself if they have the money. Possibly a return to Fnatic? Maybe.

3.) Singapore - I like the idea of Singapore because this is where the best of SE Asians teams/players can shine, Singapore is also a tech based city so the potential is there for an investment. I don't see a problem with this because SE Asia is actually on the rise when it comes to OW e-sports.

4.) Sydney - I also don't see a problem with this city or country except for one thing, travelling other than that it is fine. I'm surprised no one has invested in a team in AUS because there is a scene in there for sure. The teams that could be bought from an organization could mostly likely be Blank Esports, a maybe would be Flash Wolves, and a least likely would be Ardeont.

5.) Some city in Brasil - Brazil has a large significant e-sports scene, only if SA expanded into NA minor or major tournaments in OW, I can assure you that they can pick up on some ideas on how to become a challenger. However, there are people willing to see this, but funds might not be enough for an e-sports multi million corporation for OWL, I don't see it just the way OWL is working. If it were to happen, I would say Brasil Gaming House or KARMA (aka Team Argentina) could settle for a team.

Bonus:
Tokyo, Japan - My only dream is to see Japan as a spot for OWL, I want to see Japan as a competitor for SK and China. I feel like the only problem is that, there isn't really a lot of support of OW in Japan itself. Possibly Team Japan and JCG Master (Japanese Tournaments I believe happens at least 2 events a month? Not sure about that tbh) could spark a new scene of e-Sports in the country?

you wouldnt pick seoul?

Hafficool [#2]

you wouldnt pick seoul?

It's his wishlist my dude, Seoul alr has a team.
--
Japan is a hard one because they don't really have anything against OW, they just have a large culture of console players. I feel like you're also taking too much of a nation-v-nation approach, but most teams will hopefully be picking up international players.

Respect for Cologne tho.

Copenhagen - Danmark

Stockholm - Sweden

Oslo - Norway

:P

amsterdam - the netherlands

best city on earth

Never considered Australia to be much of an e-sport country at least in the games I've followed over the years so personally wouldn't like to see them get a spot, do agree with Germany though and I would add in somewhere in Sweden since it's been a haven for e-sports titles for over a decade and they deserve a spot as much as anyone else.

It's still shocking to me they picked London when e-sports is hardly big there over Germany or Sweden etc. Even France might be a decent spot, they have good options for more EU spots but can't help but feel the OWL will be 90% NA for the time being anyway.

Stockholm, Sweden
Milan, Italy
Copenhaghen, Denmark
Helsinki, Finland
Paris, France

Mmmm OWL need more Europe

Presuming we're excluding the already included cities, I'd just give one to the capital of every Nordic country in Europe (with the exception of Iceland due to the population) and throw in a German city as well. Think the US has plenty now, just give Canada a couple and NA is set. Would like to see OWL become fully global though and give Australia and Asia a few more cities as, after all, they did say they were eventually looking at getting 28 teams involved.

Stockholm - Sweden
Oslo - Norway
Helsinki - Finland
Copenhagen - Denmark
Berlin - Germany

I want teams everywhere!!!

Honestly I just want a team in DC or somewhere close to me so I can have a local team and go see games live.

England.

All OWL teams are my city

Pixelfish [#11]

All OWL teams are my city

You are a great philosopher my man

Modern day Plato

FeelsGoodMan

robokun87 [#6]

Never considered Australia to be much of an e-sport country at least in the games I've followed over the years so personally wouldn't like to see them get a spot, do agree with Germany though and I would add in somewhere in Sweden since it's been a haven for e-sports titles for over a decade and they deserve a spot as much as anyone else.

It's still shocking to me they picked London when e-sports is hardly big there over Germany or Sweden etc. Even France might be a decent spot, they have good options for more EU spots but can't help but feel the OWL will be 90% NA for the time being anyway.

Also Fnatic wanted to acquired London....this is a spot waste....

Bangkok - Thailand
Chicago - US
Toronto - Canada
Montreal - Canada
Seattle / Vancouver - US / Canada
Portland - US
Baltimore/DC - US
Tokyo - Japan
Singapore - Malaysia
Berlin - Germany
Cologne - Germany
Amsterdam - Netherlands
Brussels - Belgium
Helskini - Finland
Stockholm - Sweden
Copenhagen - Denmark
Katowice/Warsaw - Poland
Rome - Italy
Milan - Italy
Rio De Janerio - Brazil
Marid - Spain
Barcelona - Spain
Lisbon - Porgual
Paris - France
Athens - Greece
Buenos Aires - Argentina
Denver - US
Detroit - US
Tampa - US
Nashville - US
Moscow - Russia

Just some ideas.

Cologne - Germany
Copenhagen - Denmark
Paris - France
Stockholm - Sweden
More EU cities that are chosen based on their popularity in eSports (ESL Cologne, DreamHack...) or their player base (France has LOTS of Overwatch players (think Rogue and GamersOrigin), Sweden as well (Misfits along with a lot of Swedish people in other teams))

And because their WC team did so well, I'd pick a city in Canada like Toronto or Montreal as another NA team.

I would pick another Korean city though, but besides Seoul, Busan and Changwon, I don't know any.

My stupid weeaboo ass would also like to see a spot in Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka), but Japan really isn't into PC gaming and even less into eSports. Biggest japanese tournaments don't have a very large prize pool, so I'm not counting too much on it for now. Hope it will change though!

d1vine [#15]

Bangkok - Thailand
Chicago - US
Toronto - Canada
Montreal - Canada
Seattle / Vancouver - US / Canada
Portland - US
Baltimore/DC - US
Tokyo - Japan
Singapore - Malaysia
Berlin - Germany
Cologne - Germany
Amsterdam - Netherlands
Brussels - Belgium
Helskini - Finland
Stockholm - Sweden
Copenhagen - Denmark
Katowice/Warsaw - Poland
Rome - Italy
Milan - Italy
Rio De Janerio - Brazil
Marid - Spain
Barcelona - Spain
Lisbon - Porgual
Paris - France
Athens - Greece
Buenos Aires - Argentina
Denver - US
Detroit - US
Tampa - US
Nashville - US
Moscow - Russia

Just some ideas.

Singapore - Malaysia

https://i.imgur.com/14COhR2.png

Perth - Australia
Sydney - Australia
Melbourne - Australia
Alice Springs - Australia
Cooladdi - Australia

robokun87 [#6]

Never considered Australia to be much of an e-sport country at least in the games I've followed over the years so personally wouldn't like to see them get a spot, do agree with Germany though and I would add in somewhere in Sweden since it's been a haven for e-sports titles for over a decade and they deserve a spot as much as anyone else.

It's still shocking to me they picked London when e-sports is hardly big there over Germany or Sweden etc. Even France might be a decent spot, they have good options for more EU spots but can't help but feel the OWL will be 90% NA for the time being anyway.

Yeah, I'm pretty ignorant of this things so I haven't heard much of Australia, but I do think the country as a whole probably has enough of a following for one team, probably in Sydney or Melbourne - no clue which one is better suited.

Heck if you take all the eSports fans from AUS and NZ you could probably make it work!

Malmö
Katowice
Cologne
Madrid
Moscow

Rees [#1]

Simple, just list your top 5 wishlist cities. Here are my 5.

1.) Seattle, WA - This city in particular is one of the major cities of e-sports gaming and is very popular. It is also one of the biggest cities of e-sports outside of California so other than just 3 CA teams for the far West, maybe Seattle could be a good spot? I think FaZe Clan is reasonable for having that spot if it were to happen, but I have a feeling that 2nd LA spot was made for FaZe itself.

2.) Colonge, Germany - Outside the US, Colonge is no doubt one of the biggest EU e-sports cities, also OW is in dire need of another EU team. Investing in this city for a spot is a great idea, after all it is one of the largest platforms of e-sports in general, meaning there is an audience. I would say any EU team could actually buy the spot itself if they have the money. Possibly a return to Fnatic? Maybe.

3.) Singapore - I like the idea of Singapore because this is where the best of SE Asians teams/players can shine, Singapore is also a tech based city so the potential is there for an investment. I don't see a problem with this because SE Asia is actually on the rise when it comes to OW e-sports.

4.) Sydney - I also don't see a problem with this city or country except for one thing, travelling other than that it is fine. I'm surprised no one has invested in a team in AUS because there is a scene in there for sure. The teams that could be bought from an organization could mostly likely be Blank Esports, a maybe would be Flash Wolves, and a least likely would be Ardeont.

5.) Some city in Brasil - Brazil has a large significant e-sports scene, only if SA expanded into NA minor or major tournaments in OW, I can assure you that they can pick up on some ideas on how to become a challenger. However, there are people willing to see this, but funds might not be enough for an e-sports multi million corporation for OWL, I don't see it just the way OWL is working. If it were to happen, I would say Brasil Gaming House or KARMA (aka Team Argentina) could settle for a team.

Bonus:
Tokyo, Japan - My only dream is to see Japan as a spot for OWL, I want to see Japan as a competitor for SK and China. I feel like the only problem is that, there isn't really a lot of support of OW in Japan itself. Possibly Team Japan and JCG Master (Japanese Tournaments I believe happens at least 2 events a month? Not sure about that tbh) could spark a new scene of e-Sports in the country?

Man I wish Minnesota had an esports team, It won't, obviously, there isn't a reason too, but a gamer can dream...

Dublin should be the new esports Mecca. We give ridiculous tax breaks SeemsGood

1) Toronto, Canada
Toronto is one of the big e-sport cities. As there are many good Canadian players but no Canadian cities in the OWL, I think Toronto will be a great addition. It's in NA, so it would be easier to participate in the league than other cities outside the NA.

2) Hong Kong, China
China has many talented players, but unlike Korea, I think it is less likely to see the Chinese players outside China. China is currently putting a lot of money into all kinds of sports including e-sports, so I think adding another city is China will be good in financial stand point as well. However, Chinese government sets a lot of strict regulation on how things are run, which is what discouraged Kevin Chou from picking a Chinese city according to a recent interview. Hong Kong has a great advantage in that aspect, as it is the only city that is free from most of Chinese regulation, yet it is still located in China. Also, Hong Kong has a team participating in the Pacific Championship as well, so I think Hong Kong can serve as a city to pool great talents from the OWPS and OPC.

3) Paris, France
There are many great French players, like the ones in Rogue and GamersOrigin, and Paris would be a great location for them to represent.

4) Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden is big in e-sport and definitely deserve a OWL spot. It's close to other European countries with great talents like Finland, Norway, and Poland, so a team based in Stockholm would be good to pool these talents (for example, 123 and Gigantti).

5) Cologne, Germany
As many people already mentioned, Cologne is one of the biggest cities in e-sport. As there are many great German talents and also from the countries nearby (Netherlands, Belgium, etc.), I think Cologne will be a great location.

1.) Washington DC
2.) Washington DC
3.) Washington DC
4.) Washington DC
5.) Washington DC

Denver, Colorado, USA

Miko [#17]

Singapore - Malaysia

https://i.imgur.com/14COhR2.png

I'm not ok mentally sorry.

Seattle for me. Such a hub of video game development. Also my home.

penda [#24]

1.) Washington DC
2.) Washington DC
3.) Washington DC
4.) Washington DC
5.) Washington DC

YES!!!!

Could i do 10

I'm doing 10

1. Seattle
   2.Washington DC
   3.Chicago
   4.Paris
   5.Cologne
   6.Stolkholm
   7.Sydney
   8.Helsinki
   9.Rio De Janeiro
   10.Toronto

darkcvc [#9]

I want teams everywhere!!!

Honestly I just want a team in DC or somewhere close to me so I can have a local team and go see games live.

D.C. Doesn't need one, America's got too many at this point

d1vine [#15]

Bangkok - Thailand
Chicago - US
Toronto - Canada
Montreal - Canada
Seattle / Vancouver - US / Canada
Portland - US
Baltimore/DC - US
Tokyo - Japan
Singapore - Malaysia
Berlin - Germany
Cologne - Germany
Amsterdam - Netherlands
Brussels - Belgium
Helskini - Finland
Stockholm - Sweden
Copenhagen - Denmark
Katowice/Warsaw - Poland
Rome - Italy
Milan - Italy
Rio De Janerio - Brazil
Marid - Spain
Barcelona - Spain
Lisbon - Porgual
Paris - France
Athens - Greece
Buenos Aires - Argentina
Denver - US
Detroit - US
Tampa - US
Nashville - US
Moscow - Russia

Just some ideas.

A few more ideas (some slightly unrealistic)

Ottawa, Canada
São Paulo, Brazil
Busan, South Korea
Hong Kong, china
Taipei, Taiwan
Paris, France
Mexico City, Mexico
Sydney, Australia
Melbourne, Australia
Cairo, Egypt
Dubai, UAE
Lagos, Nigeria
New Delhi, India
Beijing, China
Johannesburg, South Africa
Nairobi, Kenya
Alexandria, Egypt
Baghdad, Iraq
Istanbul, Turkey
Tehran, Iran
Incheon, South Korea
Mumbai, India
Tianjin, china
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Bogotá, Columbia
Santiago, Chile
Yangon, Myanmar
Las Vegas, US
Munich, Germany
Guadalajara, Mexico

Also, Nashville, really? I'm from there but still, doesn't seem like it deserves an owl team

StarfishCookie [#33]

A few more ideas (some slightly unrealistic)

Ottawa, Canada
São Paulo, Brazil
Busan, South Korea
Hong Kong, china
Taipei, Taiwan
Paris, France
Mexico City, Mexico
Sydney, Australia
Melbourne, Australia
Cairo, Egypt
Dubai, UAE
Lagos, Nigeria
New Delhi, India
Beijing, China
Johannesburg, South Africa
Nairobi, Kenya
Alexandria, Egypt
Baghdad, Iraq
Istanbul, Turkey
Tehran, Iran
Incheon, South Korea
Mumbai, India
Tianjin, china
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Bogotá, Columbia
Santiago, Chile
Yangon, Myanmar
Las Vegas, US
Munich, Germany
Guadalajara, Mexico

Also, Nashville, really? I'm from there but still, doesn't seem like it deserves an owl team

Baghdad, huh? That sure would be something. Also Hong Kong isn't really part of China.

robokun87 [#6]

Never considered Australia to be much of an e-sport country at least in the games I've followed over the years so personally wouldn't like to see them get a spot, do agree with Germany though and I would add in somewhere in Sweden since it's been a haven for e-sports titles for over a decade and they deserve a spot as much as anyone else.

It's still shocking to me they picked London when e-sports is hardly big there over Germany or Sweden etc. Even France might be a decent spot, they have good options for more EU spots but can't help but feel the OWL will be 90% NA for the time being anyway.

Did you see IEM was in Sydney last year, and is coming again this year? That's kinda unrelated I guess since our CS team didn't do too great, but we have a few in Dota 2 and others! good to see people still underestimating Aus in gaming in 2018. fbm we're p small but there are some talented people :(

My wishlist would be like:

1. Helsinki
2. Stockholm
3. Copenhagen
4. Paris
5. Berlin, Cologne, Munich (basically any city in Germany)
6. Australia (Sydney)
7. 2nd Korea team (Busan?)
8. 2nd China team (Beijing?)
9. Brazil team (Rio?)
10. Chigago
11. team from Canada would be sweet

Reality sadly is though that Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen ain't realistic unless some big money from States comes to invest

If Season 2 will get 6 more teams I would hope at least 3 would be from Europe, 2 from Asia and 1 can be from USA (to even the numbers to 4 EU, 4 Asia, 10 USA)

poi98 [#7]

Stockholm, Sweden
Milan, Italy
Copenhaghen, Denmark
Helsinki, Finland
Paris, France

Mmmm OWL need more Europe

In all honesty thou poi, if it was just for me and my own entertainment, I'd say Milan, but from a functional/practical point of view, I wouldn't suggest any Italian city... our esport scene is simply, nonexistant, sadly. :(

And it would probably "rob" another country of their possibility.

I'm just gonna limit myself to EU cities, since I really believe we should have at least 2-3 more franchises for the old continent:

Personal preference
Milan - Italy
Berlin/Cologne/Frankfurt - Germany
Stockholm - Swedem

More likely (and also most "deserved")
Stockholm - Sweden esports have always been storng
Paris - Less strong than the swedes but still good
Berlin/Cologne/Frankfurt . Germany always work well with esports events

Not many mentioned Russian cities, but those are another topic, RU/UA have an immense pool of players for esports, not giving them a single spot would be really dumb, imo.

To go through a few OWL seasons without a franchise in Germany would be criminal, not sure I agree with everyone mentioning Brazil as I'm not too familiar with anything good e-sports wise coming out of Brazil other than 1 good CS team but who knows.

You would think places like Denmark and Sweden would get a spot based on what they've done for e-sports over the years but fat chance of that happening, these cities will be picked based on finances alone not who deserves what, personally I'm not expecting to see too many if any more European cities added I get the feeling they want the OWL to be NA/Asia based.

robokun87 [#39]

To go through a few OWL seasons without a franchise in Germany would be criminal, not sure I agree with everyone mentioning Brazil as I'm not too familiar with anything good e-sports wise coming out of Brazil other than 1 good CS team but who knows.

You would think places like Denmark and Sweden would get a spot based on what they've done for e-sports over the years but fat chance of that happening, these cities will be picked based on finances alone not who deserves what, personally I'm not expecting to see too many if any more European cities added I get the feeling they want the OWL to be NA/Asia based.

so what have the UK done for esports for London to have been given a spot? Richard Lewis?

yuki [#40]

so what have the UK done for esports for London to have been given a spot? Richard Lewis?

Didn't say the UK done anything but they've still done a lot more than Brazil, when was the last time you heard about a big event in Brazil? when was the last time, other than SK in CS:GO, did you hear about Brazi doing well in any e-sport? in all the e-sports I've followed outside of CS I can't think of any impact Brazil has ever done, how many famous Brazilian e-sports brands can you name? the only one I can think of is mibr that was known back in 1.5 and 1.6 who are now dead I believe.

At least the UK has some big brands like fnatic and Dignitas, they also host various events like Gfinity and even Faceit and they are also hosting a CS:GO major later this year, I'm not saying Brazil shouldn't get a spot I'm just asking why almost everyone mentions Brazil, is it because of the beaches and women? because it definitely isn't anything related to e-sports.

Hafficool [#2]

you wouldnt pick seoul?

Hafficool is my city

wentaway [#37]

In all honesty thou poi, if it was just for me and my own entertainment, I'd say Milan, but from a functional/practical point of view, I wouldn't suggest any Italian city... our esport scene is simply, nonexistant, sadly. :(

And it would probably "rob" another country of their possibility.

Adding some fifa card packs openings inbetween matches might increase italian attendance

Could you also imagine a full italian roster? Shangai dragons would finally have fierce competition for the last place

robokun87 [#41]

Didn't say the UK done anything but they've still done a lot more than Brazil, when was the last time you heard about a big event in Brazil? when was the last time, other than SK in CS:GO, did you hear about Brazi doing well in any e-sport? in all the e-sports I've followed outside of CS I can't think of any impact Brazil has ever done, how many famous Brazilian e-sports brands can you name? the only one I can think of is mibr that was known back in 1.5 and 1.6 who are now dead I believe.

At least the UK has some big brands like fnatic and Dignitas, they also host various events like Gfinity and even Faceit and they are also hosting a CS:GO major later this year, I'm not saying Brazil shouldn't get a spot I'm just asking why almost everyone mentions Brazil, is it because of the beaches and women? because it definitely isn't anything related to e-sports.

South America has a dedicated and active scene, despite little money to play for. There appears to be an active fanbase for South American Overwatch based on viewership numbers for SA Contenders rivaling NA and EU Contenders. People believe the region has earned its right to compete at Overwatch's highest level.

Now are there any potential investors or good enough infrastructure to support a team within the region? I don't know, you'd have to ask a South American about that. What I do know is that the interest is there.

tamagao [#44]

South America has a dedicated and active scene, despite little money to play for. There appears to be an active fanbase for South American Overwatch based on viewership numbers for SA Contenders rivaling NA and EU Contenders. People believe the region has earned its right to compete at Overwatch's highest level.

Now are there any potential investors or good enough infrastructure to support a team within the region? I don't know, you'd have to ask a South American about that. What I do know is that the interest is there.

No doubt the interest is there but nothing else is really, you'd have to hope a rich Brazilian would buy a spot then what, do you honestly think he's going to spend that much on the spot and sign 12 Brazilian players? there's probably a reason why pretty much any big e-sports with any remotely close big events don't really go to South America to host a LAN event.

People may believe what they want, but there are nations who have "earned" the right to compete before them, how many scandinavians have we had competing at the highest level of OW and even stilll are? they have earned more of a right, what has Germany done for e-sports over the history of it? a shit ton, they have earned more of a right, France do a fair bit for e-sports and have good players, Russia/Ukraine have done more than Brazil.

There's about 10 better options in every single aspect before Brazil should even get picked about and that's not including even more US cities, just because they have an active scene within themselves doesn't mean they have earned or even deserve shit, Brazil need to start contributing to e-sports a lot more before anyone can even say they earned a shot at the OWL because they are a million miles away.

robokun87 [#45]

No doubt the interest is there but nothing else is really, you'd have to hope a rich Brazilian would buy a spot then what, do you honestly think he's going to spend that much on the spot and sign 12 Brazilian players? there's probably a reason why pretty much any big e-sports with any remotely close big events don't really go to South America to host a LAN event.

People may believe what they want, but there are nations who have "earned" the right to compete before them, how many scandinavians have we had competing at the highest level of OW and even stilll are? they have earned more of a right, what has Germany done for e-sports over the history of it? a shit ton, they have earned more of a right, France do a fair bit for e-sports and have good players, Russia/Ukraine have done more than Brazil.

There's about 10 better options in every single aspect before Brazil should even get picked about and that's not including even more US cities, just because they have an active scene within themselves doesn't mean they have earned or even deserve shit, Brazil need to start contributing to e-sports a lot more before anyone can even say they earned a shot at the OWL because they are a million miles away.

From a numerical point of view in esports (not just/only OW), Brazil is to America (the whole of it), what Russia (and Ukraine) is to Europe, that being the biggest pool of players, but a relatively "weak" economy compared to their rich neighbours (BR to the US and RU to UK/DE).

Worth noting for example that in Brazil consoles are more expensive than in the States or even in Europe, and yet their standard wage/salary is way lower.

That usually leads tons of players to free to play games (e.g. DOTA) then on pay to play ones like OW, and what little native esports organizations follow of course the player/viewer base.

Having a nice big team based off Brazil would surely help their scene grow, and they really deserve it, as well as other SA countries of course, but those will follow swiftly imo.

EDIT: btw there's a reason for example if we have Lucio and Zarya in OW, while we don't have (yet?) a Mario.

i'd like to see Calgary have a team/stadium. Central canada never gets any love for esports.

It's all about the benjamins.

wentaway [#46]

From a numerical point of view in esports (not just/only OW), Brazil is to America (the whole of it), what Russia (and Ukraine) is to Europe, that being the biggest pool of players, but a relatively "weak" economy compared to their rich neighbours (BR to the US and RU to UK/DE).

Worth noting for example that in Brazil consoles are more expensive than in the States or even in Europe, and yet their standard wage/salary is way lower.

That usually leads tons of players to free to play games (e.g. DOTA) then on pay to play ones like OW, and what little native esports organizations follow of course the player/viewer base.

Having a nice big team based off Brazil would surely help their scene grow, and they really deserve it, as well as other SA countries of course, but those will follow swiftly imo.

EDIT: btw there's a reason for example if we have Lucio and Zarya in OW, while we don't have (yet?) a Mario.

PUT MARIO AND LUIGI IN OVERWATCH NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gabeconte [#49]

PUT MARIO AND LUIGI IN OVERWATCH NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The map is coming, one can only hope!
btw Mario is indeed one f the most common names in Italy. :)

Loco [#4]

Copenhagen - Danmark

Stockholm - Sweden

Oslo - Norway

:P

stockholm syndromes, I keep believing for this