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Craig Cheon on OWCS Asia: A Thriving Community of Fans

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by

Alex Rodriguez
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The Passion of Local OWCS Asia Fans: Interview with Craig Cheon

As Overwatch 2 continues to soar in popularity, its competitive scene is blossoming, particularly in Asia. The Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS) has unlocked new opportunities for local fans in countries like Korea and Japan, fostering a vibrant community that thrives through shared experiences. Earlygg.com recently spoke with Craig Cheon, the OWCS Asia program lead, who shed light on the growth and excitement around OWCS and its devoted fanbase.

“We have a real local scene with this OWCS program,” Cheon explained. “We have fans in Korea, Japan, and the Pacific, and local fans help each other build up the community.” With the OWCS World Finals at DreamHack Stockholm on the horizon, fans are uniting more than ever to support their favorite teams.

The Strength of OWCS Asia

In his interview with Earlygg, Cheon highlighted the robust fanbase in Korea, a key player in OWCS Asia’s success. The revival of offline events has led to sold-out watch parties at venues like WDG eSports Studio.

  • Watch Parties: These events provide a space for fans unable to travel to Sweden to gather, cheer, and celebrate their teams together.
  • High Engagement: Each season, parties sell out indicating strong interest and the desire for community engagement.

Cheon shared, “So we try to organize viewing parties for the fans who want to cheer for their teams in person. We organized a viewing party by inviting Korean casters and fans to a venue, and then they can just cheer each other on and then have as close to a live experience as possible.” This initiative not only binds fans but fosters a thrilling atmosphere reminiscent of live matches.

The Thrill of Competing in Busan

Recall the main event for OWCS Asia Stage 2, which took place in Busan. The competition witnessed Team Falcons clinching the gold while Crazy Raccoon took home silver, propelling both teams into the OWCS World Finals.

Cheon reminisced about the excitement surrounding the event, stating, “We had the last Asian finals in Busan, and fans were really excited about having that in Busan for the first time. That memory and experience was really, really awesome for me.” This event not only showcased talent but also reinvigorated the community spirit.

OWCS Japan: A Model of Community Engagement

Shifting focus to Japan, Cheon expressed high hopes for the Overwatch 2 esports scene there, showcasing the energy within the community. One standout story is that of Nozl, a player balancing competitive play with a full-time job.

  1. Dedication to the Game: Nozl has practiced during his business trips, even using a trackpad in hotel rooms to prepare for matches.
  2. Community Buzz: His incredible commitment has garnered attention, thrilling fans across NA and EMEA, and highlighting the intense passion within the community.

Cheon remarked, “We have a real local scene with this OWCS program. Meeting those fans and then hearing about their excitement for this program — that’s really worth it for me.” Such narratives not only inspire fans but also paint a picture of the camaraderie inherent in the OWCS environment.

Looking Ahead: The Future of OWCS Asia

As OWCS Asia gears up for an exciting 2025, Cheon shared his enthusiasm about changes coming to the program:

  • New Studio in Hongdae: This popular area in Korea will serve as a hub for more fan interactions, accommodating a larger audience.
  • Expansion of Teams in Japan: The participant count will increase from eight to twelve teams, promoting greater community involvement.

“We’re gonna have more capacity,” Cheon exclaimed. “And in Japan, we are extending the number of teams from eight to twelve.” The growth signals an upward trajectory for OWCS Asia, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing the fans’ experience.

Conclusion

Craig Cheon’s insights into the local Owcs Asia scene reveal a passionate, growing community that embraces Overwatch 2 in all its glory. With innovative approaches like watching parties and impressive player stories, OWCS is not just a competition; it’s a heavily intertwined network of support and enthusiasm. As the program evolves with fresh initiatives, fans can feel confident in the bright future of Overwatch esports in Asia.

To keep up with the latest news in the world of Overwatch, follow @earlyggcom on Twitter for interviews, updates, and more insights into the esports realm!