Season One of the Overwatch Contenders is upon us after a series of narrow qualifications during the Season Zero playoffs. Previously, the European Overwatch scene was dominated by eUnited, who managed to drop only six matches throughout Season Zero, boasting an overall record of 30-6. Anyone who stood in their way was handled with ease and they’ll be back at it once again this weekend to attempt to sustain their dominance.

They will be joined by Cloud9, 123, Bazooka Puppiez, Team Singularity, Team Gigantii, and Misfits. As of the most recent news, GamersOrigin will be the final team to join the mix as they replace Movistar Riders who disbanded their Overwatch team.

Storylines of the Off-Season

Misfits – After a rough playoff stage during Season Zero, things continued to take a turn for the worse for Misfits as both Reinforce and Nevix left the roster. Both players were previously with the team for all of 2017, with Nevix having signed on in June of 2016 and Reinforce this past December.

The newest additions to the team include Zuppehw from Team Gigantti, and both Logix and Cwoosh from Movistar Riders. Mineral, who has been with the team since April, is currently listed as the team’s substitute.

Final Roster: Logix, Cwoosh, Tqiv, Manneten, Zebbosai, Zuppehq, Mineral (Sub)

Cloud9 – With Cloud9’s recent acquisition of Laser Kittenz, we can only expect this team to come out with some fire to kick off Season One. Coming off of a stellar performance in Season Zero with a qualifying victory over Team Singularity, they will have high expectations heading into the new season.

The acquisition of the team also includes Nevix, who is coming over from the Misfits roster. They’re set to take on Misfits in week one, a team who went an even 4-4 on maps throughout Season Zero.

Final Roster: Kyb, Crems, Greyy, Crusade, Mowzassa, Nevix, Spazzo (Sub)

123 – Their dominant performance in Season Zero didn’t go unnoticed after they 3-0’d Team Gigantti (formally Rest in Pyjamas) and 3-1’d Bazooka Puppiez in the playoffs before falling short to eUnited in the finals. Despite this tremendous showing from the team that formed just this past May, they’ve gone ahead with some roster changes, making room for both Finnsi (Movistar Riders) and Hafficool (Fnatic, Ninjas With Attitude).

The new additions come just under a week before the action begins, leaving us wondering what they’ll be able to do with their limited time to adjust.

Final Roster: Tonic, Bock1, Hafficool, Dennia, Finnsi, Snillo

Team Gigantti – A new name in Overwatch with the same six players. Team Gigantii entered the scene earlier this month as they acquired the org-less Rest in Pyjamas roster. This comes following their departure from Ninjas in Pyjamas this past June.

This team will look to reignite the fire they once had in the European region later this week with a tough match up against eUnited. Team Gigantii is also coming off of a nearly-undefeated performance in the ASUS ROG tournament on August 3rd and 4th, taking down GamersOrigin in the finals.

The roster remains quite similar to its former self, parting ways with only Zuppehw on August 15th. His replacement will be Shaz who previously played with Hammers Esports before their roster was released on July 31st.

Final Roster: Zappis, Fragi, Linkzr, Davin, Bigg00se, Shaz, Seita (Sub)

GamersOrigin – The final spot in Season One has been filled with GamersOrigin taking the empty spot Movistar Riders left with their disbanding this past July. GamersOrigin had an opportunity to qualify in Season Zero where they fell with an overall record of 7-17 in their matches, putting them in fourth place in their group. They’ll look to step it up a notch as they take on Bazooka Puppiez in their week one matchup.

Final Roster: Hyp, Poko, Benbest, Leaf, Hqrdest, Pipou

Week One Schedule for Europe

- Misfits vs Cloud9

- Team Gigantti vs eUnited

- Singularity vs 123

- GamersOrigin vs Bazooka Puppiez

The Overwatch Contenders Season One is set to take off on August 19th and run its course through October 8th. We’ll be bringing you the latest coverage for both regions when the action begins!