The Open Division, designed for solo queue players, is also giving you a better chance at glory. Whenever a Contenders season ends, the leading four Open Season teams in a given region will be invited to compete in the Contenders Trials (whose first season starts in February) and potentially guarantee a spot in the next season. You don't have to fully invest yourself in a team to draw attention, in other words.

It's no shocker as to why Blizzard would do this. A more direct path to paid competition might not only encourage more Overwatch play, but lure players who would otherwise stick to third-party leagues. It's hard to knock the move, though, as it could foster eSports interest among gamers who'd otherwise be daunted or might not realize that pro play was an option.