Activision’s Call of Duty League is finally here and things start with the CDL Kickoff Classic – a pre-season event where x-factor players in all 12 teams can start making their mark.
With an exodus of 12 entrees as the CDL switches to a 4v4 format in Black Ops Cold War, individual play is paramount. Players have less backing on the battlefield and, with a deep talent pool in the Challengers scene, more competition for their roles.
OpTic Gaming, which represents Chicago, is back with Hector ‘H3CZ’ Rodriguez, Seth ‘Scump’ Abner and the gang. Rejoicing fans, Matthew ‘Nadeshot’ Haag’s 100 Thieves, returns to rival CoD for Los Angeles. Teams have been rocking since the start of the season and the expectations of each team will be tested by at least one player CDL kick-off performance.
Alec ‘Arcitys’ Sanderson (Atlanta FaZe)
The best AR in CoD?
Did the most compiled rankings in CoD add to the league’s best AR?
While Michael ‘MajorManiak’ Szymaniak was highly regarded by his teammates last season, there are few who rank him in a level near Arcitys. FaZe’s machine gun and flex game was never a question, but the addition of Arcitys to the assault rifle could push them past the Dallas empire on power rankings.
If Arcitys continues, let alone improve its 2020 form, Atlanta should be an early favorite. Fans tested by a strong group of Florida Mutineers should get the quality temperature of FaZe’s newest member.
Ian ‘Crimsix’ Porter (Dallas Empire)
Did Dallas release the real veteran AR?
At age 28, Crimsix must refute its doubts.
The transition from 5v5 to 4v4 was not without sadness, and few splits were as difficult as the Empire. Dropping James ‘Clayster’ Eubanks instead of Crimsix was a difficult decision and on the CDL Kickoff Classic the decision will get the first evaluation.
When the two veteran ARs meet, Crim will be with the same absurd, young trio of “Xeo” guns and Clayster with … one striking sophomore and two previously projected bankers. It shouldn’t be too hard for Dallas, but fans should be curious to see how much Crim’s thumbs got older.
Donovan ‘Temp’ Laroda (Los Angeles Thieves)
Big Brand meets Big Ego
Temp speaks the talk, but has to run for the next big brand of the CDL.
Binding 5th on CDL Champs was not enough to keep OpTic in Los Angeles, so Nadeshot had to buy into the league. Although Zack ‘Drazah’ Jordan and Darien ‘Hollow’ Chervchko appealed to the team’s Challengers, they played wonderfully in the post-season – replacing 100T in the starting line-up with one of the league’s most confident ARs. .
The self-proclaimed top “gunnie” in the CDL, Temp has a relentless belief in his ability (alternatively a ‘strong personality’, per general manager Eric ‘Muddawg’ Sanders) backed by a strong history of top level, though streaks. While his year with the New York Subliners was disappointing, Temp is now rejoining former teammates Austin ‘SlasheR’ Liddicoat and Thomas ‘TJHaLy’ Haly. With the huge fan base of 100T and a match with OpTic Chicago, the shooter gets a big stage to prove that his game can rise to the occasion and his own expectations.
Preston ‘Priestahh’ Greiner (Minnesota ROKKR)
The Honorable Tiny Terror?
From collaborating with the Tiny Terrors to a much larger role, Priestahh could make a statement in 2021.
FaZe was the second-best team in 2020 and Priestahh would probably still be in the team if it did not switch to the 4v4. Instead, one of the league’s most selfless players could turn a new leaf with a completely revamped ROKKR squad.
Starting with Minnesota’s preseason game against the Toronto Ultra, Priestahh needs to move from flex to his more natural role. Expectations for a miserable ROKKR team will depend on his ability to prove he is overshadowed in Atlanta and can transition from dirty work to manslaughter.
Makenzie ‘Mack’ Kelley (New York Subliners)
No ZooMaa, No Hydra: Return of the Mack
As an MVP candidate in 2020, Mack needs to take another step for NY to compete.
Easily one of the best rookies in 2020, Mack jumped into the starting lineup of New York and jumped into the MVP conversation almost immediately. The Subliners have had a good season after flowing into the playoffs, but new spending means Mack will have to do everything to start 2021.
With newcomer Paco ‘HyDra’ Rusiewiez dealing with visa issues and Tommy ‘ZooMaa’ Paparatto retire due to injury, Mack moved to SMG for an incomplete list. He is back in his preferred role, but the season depends on his ability to reach the 2020 near-MVP form.
Brandon ‘Dashy’ Otell (OpTic Chicago)
Pay attention to Chicago’s Bat Signal
Back at his guys, Chicago’s hopes depend on Dashy’s return to form.
Like Atlanta, Chicago pieces rocked after it was just under the 2020 championship. With Arcitys eager to rejoin the former team-mates at FaZe, H3CZ celebrated the return of OpTic with the return of one of the brand’s former players.
But 2020 was an ugly year for Dashy, and aside from some great moments as a suddenly called up banker in CDL Champs, there are questions surrounding the former elite AR. Expectations are high for the biggest brand in CoD, but will depend on Dashy’s game rise and fall.
Peirce ‘Gunless’ Hillman (Seattle Surge)
Starting from the bottom, now Peirce
In just a few years, Gunless has gone from a star to a replacement to an appetizer with a chip on his shoulder.
Like Dashy, no one questions the raw mechanical talent that Gunless possesses. Unfortunately, like Dashy, the gifted player has spent most of a porous 2020 on the bench with rumors about the character.
Now he joins two others as reinforcement for Sam ‘Octane’ Larew in 2020’s worst team: Seattle. If the Surge is going to improve on a 5-18 record that last ended on CDL Champs, Gunless will need a comeback to start on Day 1 against the Guerrillas in Los Angeles.
While the Call of Duty League is chock-full of players with high expectations, low expectations and everything in between, these seven stand out as those with the most striking stocks in the preseason. A variety of other rookies and players transferred can deliver pronouncements during the Kickoff Classic, but the power rankings and expectations of fans should depend on our listed x-factors.