#United States #Walnut Creek #OverWatch #Raidiant #Runestone

Runestone Partners with Raidiant to Power 'Calling All Heroes'

In a groundbreaking move for gender inclusivity in esports, Runestone has partnered with Raidiant to enhance the 'Calling All Heroes' series within the Overwatch competitive ecosystem. Officially announced on July 10, 2026, this collaboration marks Runestone's inaugural entry into Overwatch esports, aligning with both companies' missions to promote diversity and engagement in gaming.

A New Chapter in Overwatch Esports

Runestone, a leader in esports data infrastructure, will serve as Raidiant's Official Partner, supporting the 'Calling All Heroes' tournaments scheduled for August and September 2026. This strategic alliance signifies a commitment to not only support competitive play but also empower underrepresented communities within the Overwatch gaming landscape. The 'Calling All Heroes' initiative, which launched its inaugural event in September 2022, aims to uplift voices often marginalized in esports, bringing them to the forefront of high-level gameplay and community interaction.

Both Runestone and Raidiant recognize the importance of inclusivity. Heather Mumm, Founder of Raidiant, expressed excitement over the partnership, stating, "We’re thrilled to partner with Runestone and welcome them into the Calling All Heroes community." She highlights how Runestone's innovative data tools enhance their understanding and engagement with the dedicated gaming audience. The involvement of Runestone ensures that the initiatives maintain their integrity while also striving for competitive equity.

Enhancing Competitor Experience

The Calling All Heroes series has seen a resounding positive response from the community, peaking at 62,000 concurrent viewers during the previous year's competitions. The 2026 series plans to build upon this success with a streamlined three-phase format designed to lower barriers to entry for participants. The new structure will transition from an open Swiss regular season to an eight-team playoff, which will ultimately culminate in the Calling All Heroes Raidiant Series 2026 Championship, boasting a substantial prize pool of $40,000.

Runestone aims to leverage its cutting-edge data and engagement tools to furnish real-time insights and enhance viewer experiences throughout the tournaments. "Entering the Overwatch ecosystem for the first time through Calling All Heroes is a perfect alignment of our core values," stated Michael Schwartz, Runestone's Head of Partnerships. His statement underscores the company’s dedication to ensuring talented players gain visibility and backing in the ever-expanding esports market.

Broadcasting and Coverage

The competitive action kicks off this July, with tournaments broadcasted live on both official Overwatch and Raidiant channels. This strategic partnership aims to not only elevate the competitive scene but also foster an inclusive environment for emerging talents and communities that have historically lacked representation in gaming.

About Runestone

Runestone transforms live esports into engaging, data-driven experiences. By utilizing real-time in-game data from tournament organizers, Runestone enhances broadcasts with fast and accurate overlays and analytics that deepen fan engagement. Committed to transparency and competitive fairness, Runestone also monitors matches to ensure integrity and protection against cheating, reinforcing trust across the esports community. For more information, visit their website at runestone.gg.

About Raidiant

Founded in 2021, Raidiant is a women-led esports production company that creates competitive gaming experiences and promotes inclusivity through its events. They have crafted a reputation for fostering impactful programs that elevate underrepresented voices in gaming while delivering high-quality content for diverse audiences. With a focus on creativity and storytelling, Raidiant continuously innovates the future of esports. Learn more at Raidiant.gg or follow them on social media @RaidiantGG.