Heads up, Overwatch fanatics: Blizzard just announced the creation of a new professional sports league for the blockbuster team-based shooter.
The Overwatch League will focus on "long-term stability for teams as well as opportunities for players to establish the types of professional careers associated with traditional sports," Blizzard said in its announcement. The inaugural season kicks off early next year. Before that happens, Blizzard will host a combine where eligible players "who have previously distinguished themselves in competition" will be invited to try out for teams.
Players at the combine will be able to show off their skills across a range of tests so team owners can sign people who best fill out their rosters. Anyone picked up by a team during the signing period will be guaranteed a contact, which includes a base salary and benefits.
Each team in the Overwatch League will represent a major city. Over time, Blizzard hopes to expand the league to include teams from the Americas, Europe, China, Korea, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Blizzard promised to share team announcements and more Overwatch League information in the months to come. In the meantime, keep practicing and making a name for yourself in Overwatch for a chance to be invited to the combine.
"The Overwatch League represents not only the pinnacle of Overwatch competition, but also a genuine career opportunity for the most skilled Overwatch players," Blizzard Entertainment CEO and cofounder Mike Morhaime said in a statement. "We're building a league that's accessible to players and fans, sustainable, and exciting for everyone involved."
For more on the Overwatch League, check out the video below.