It's been a long time coming, but today the open beta of World of Warplanes finally starts, at least in the North America and Russia, while European players will have to wait until July the 4th.

The open beta marks the introduction of several new elements like the unified premium account system (with World of Tanks),  a real-time tactical feedback system, crews and crew skills, consumables and various types of ammunition and brand new tutorial.

The icing in the cake? Everyone that took part in the closed beta will get special and yet unknown prizes. According to the press release, 2.7 million gamers from 194 different countries applied for it.

Wargaming CEO Victor Kislyi accompanied the announcement with a statement:

We thank every single World of Warplanes player out there, whether they’re just getting into the game during open beta or have been with us since the very start. The game has grown and evolved tremendously since we first announced it and I’m confident virtual pilots are going to be extremely excited when they get behind the cockpits of the game’s truly amazing warbirds.

We also got a new batch of screenshots, renders and the new tech trees that include the premium aircrafts. You can check them out in the gallery below.