The action of Overwatch. takes place in a technologically advanced, highly stylized future earth. In a time of global crisis, an international task force of soldiers, scientists, adventurers, and oddities known as Overwatch had come together to restore peace to a war-torn world. After many years, the group’s influence waned, and it was eventually disbanded. Overwatch might be gone now . . . but the world still needs heroes.

With an emphasis on accessibility and pure fun, Overwatch. brings Blizzard’s signature easy-to-learn, hard-to-master gameplay to the FPS genre. Harnessing the power of their hero of choice, players will join forces in teams of six and battle each other across a range of futuristic global locations, from the hologram-lit streets of London to a bazaar in the shadows of a high-tech Egyptian pyramid. Every battlefield is iconic and built to highlight each character’s unique abilities, and fights can shift from streets to rooftops to open skies within the span of a breath.

While each hero represents a formidable force on their own, players can amplify their potential by assembling into a well-balanced team and creatively combining powers. No matter which hero or playstyle they prefer, players will be able to team up and accomplish the incredible in Overwatch.

As players compete in matches—win or lose—they’ll level up and earn Loot Boxes, each containing a combination of four items players can use to customize their heroes, including in-game credits and cosmetic goodies including skins, sprays, voice lines, and new animations. Among these items are legendary skins that dramatically alter heroes’ appearances, such as the post-apocalyptic Scavenger D.Va, or Lone Wolf Hanzo, which fills Overwatch’s expert bowman with the spirit of the wild.

The Grand Finals for the inaugural season of the Overwatch League, which will determine the champions of the world’s first global city-based esports league, will be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, over July 27–28, 2018.

Following the end of the Overwatch League regular season on Sunday, June 17, the postseason will begin with a field of six teams on Wednesday, July 11, at Blizzard Arena Los Angeles in Burbank, California. After the playoffs conclude, two finalists will take center stage in the Big Apple—at the home arena of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets—to battle for a share of the USD $1.4 million prize pool, the Overwatch League trophy, and a place in the history books.

The Grand Finals will feature an immersive on-site fan experience at Barclays Center, and will culminate in the ultimate showdown for the Overwatch League championship: the first team to win two best-of-five matches will take home the trophy. Play begins Friday, July 27, at 8 p.m. EDT with the first best-of-five match, and continues Saturday, July 28, at 4 p.m. EDT with the second and potential third series.

“The Overwatch League Grand Finals will be an epic experience for fans and viewers,” said Overwatch League commissioner Nate Nanzer. “We want this to be the pinnacle of esports, and holding it at a world-class venue like Barclays Center, in a global capital like New York, will help us celebrate not only the league’s two best teams, but the fans, partners, and players who have joined us on this incredible journey.”

“We are thrilled to host the inaugural Overwatch League Grand Finals, as we are quickly becoming a marquee destination for global esports leagues,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “This past year, the Overwatch League became the breakout league in the sports industry, and we anticipate drawing a dynamic international audience to experience the event live in July.” 

Tickets to the two-day event go on sale on Friday, May 18, at 10 a.m. EDT, and can be purchased on ticketmaster.com and barclayscenter.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets also can be purchased at the American Express Box Office beginning Saturday, May 19, at 12 p.m. EDT. One-day tickets will go on sale at a later date, subject to availability.

Tickets to the first two rounds of the Overwatch League postseason at Blizzard Arena Los Angeles go on sale Thursday, May 10, at 9 a.m. PDT via AXS.com.