With what Blizzard have learned from their approach at global competition to 2013, they've spearheaded a new strategy heading into the fresh season.

Based on feedback and general studying of region to region play, Blizzard is taking a primarily new approach in how they operate their 2014 World Championship Series.  Possibly the most anticipated of all is the return of the GSL with their respective format, allowing all foreigners to enter at their own will. Due to the increased difficulty of participating in the region, GSL will provide an outlet for exceptional gamers from other regions to come and compete for a higher prize pool than the other regions.

2014 GSL Format

However, the eSports capital isn't the only region receiving love heading into the next season.  Massive changes are coming to the other regions, with the potential block of Korean domination being one of the largest of them all.  Blizzard will be implementing a partial regional block, reserving the majority of qualifier spots for each respective region to players from within the region.  This will promote diversity and allow the scenes to grow internally, as well as making a more exciting spectator sport where teams can watch their favorite teams from within the region battle it out, testing who is best without the interference of Korean powerhouses.

While qualifier spots are restricted for those outside of the region, this does not apply for certain wildcard teams attempting to play in the North American region. Due to the American WCS being the primary home for Chinese, Australian, and Taiwanese players, WCS Americas arms will still be open to them and consider them a part of the region, with the exception of those not meeting the requirements of being a Master's level player.

With these newly reinforced rules, Blizzard is putting a much heavier emphasis on regional play, with additional points and prize money being awarded to the Premier League players in comparison to 2013.  

A much more streamlined and less congested schedule for the 2014 season.

Last but not least, there has been a much more easy to understand and linear roadmap compared to the Season 3 WCS.  Not only does this open the door for more potential third party tournaments, it also makes it easier for fans to keep track of their respective regions' games.  This linear progression prevents the challenger leagues from running in tandem with the premier league and, instead, favors a system where there's a step-by-step system implemented to get to the next round.  All Premier League games will be streamed officially, while third-party broadcasters are relied on for the rest of the games.  

The season will run a standard 10 weeks with the bottom 16 players from the previous season's Premier waiting to enter Challenger.  After the 16 bo5 up-and-down matches are played, the players will then proceed to the Premier League.

Source: Blizzard