CAL Berkeley reclaims championship in 2018 Fiesta Bowl Overwatch college finals

It was a weekend full of excitement as the Fiesta Bowl and Tespa hosted the 2018 collegiate Overwatch finals in Tempe. The tournament was held in the Arizona State University’s Sun Devil Fitness Complex, where a sold out crowd cheered on their favorites through each battle.

The finals were tenuous, as the University of California – Berkeley was returning to a finals bracket with plenty of contenders keen on dethroning them from their victory in 2017. Both University of Irvine and San Diego were primed to take the winner’s seat, with the University of Toronto’s team hungry for revenge against Berkeley from their loss to them in last year’s finals.

The top ranked University of Irvine soundly trounced the University of San Diego 3-0 to start, with their consistent Pharah shutting down any means of offense straightaway. Canada got their second chance against Berkeley, capturing an early round victory, but ultimately falling against the rival team 1-3.

A show match between state rivals University of Arizona and Arizona State University took place just before the finals. The crowds turned out en masse, as many sun devils raised signs and cheered for the home team. The enthusiasm proved invigorating for ASU group, as they sent their Tucson rivals packing with a complete two-game shutdown.

The main event was much anticipated, as Berkeley went up against the highly skilled University of Irvine team. They traded rounds back and forth, but Berkeley was largely unanswered in their offense. University of Irvine made a few plays in their last rounds to stay alive, but ultimately fell 0-3 to CAL. Each Berkeley player took home approximately $7,000 in scholarship funds for their victory over the weekend.

Fans turned out in droves to root on their favorite players. Proud parents, classmates, and Overwatch fans alike peppered the crowd, cheering on each team through every payload push. Commentators provided a play by play, while emcees hyped up the crowd in between matches. The Fiesta Bowl partnership definitely pushed the event to higher tier of entertainment, with the overall excitement keeping at a high level throughout each round.

To view the tournament in full or watch more Overwatch competition, visit twitch.tv/playoverwatch.

The stage was a spectacle in and of itself.

Primed and ready: matches were always tense before a start.

Crowds amped up each match.

Even the commentators were not safe from some playful jibes from the crowd.

University of Irvine had a strong showing from their players.

Family members of University of San Diego players showed up in support.

Commentators kept viewers in on the action throughout each match.

Several crowd members had their own ideas about player picks.

University of Irvine walking onto the stage for their first match.

Overwatch finals

ASU fans put their own spin on Overwatch catchphrases to cheer on the home team.

All smiles: The University of Arizona team came out to jeers but remained unshaken by the opposing crowd.

A futuristic stage piece is Overwatch’s esports signature.

Home team: ASU’s Overwatch team before the show match.

Many fans turned out with signs and props.

Room with a view: hardly a bad seat in the entire complex.

Cosplayers also came out in support of the event.

Bad play: New support player for CAL Alex Dam (Paigwut) reels after a tough play during a match.

Winner Winner: Berkeley players just after capturing the victory.

The CAL Berkeley team proudly showing off their championship trophies.