Call of Duty League (CDL) is where the world’s best players go head-to-head in an epic battle for glory, fame, and a hefty prize pool! It’s one of the year’s biggest esports tournaments, with months of electrifying action, with major events, fierce rivalries, and a World Championship weekend that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
The competition is fierce, the stakes are high, and every match is a chance for history to be made. So, grab your controller and dive into this guide to everything CDL!
What is the Call of Duty League?
Each year, the Call of Duty League (CDL) reigns supreme as the biggest tournament in the Call of Duty esports universe. It’s the ultimate battleground for the world’s top players, with a multi-million-dollar prize pool, hundreds of thousands of live viewers, and months of intense competition. This is no ordinary tournament—it’s one of the longest-running and most thrilling esports series, featuring a chain of electrifying ‘Major’ events and culminating in the legendary World Championship weekend.
In late 2023, the CDL took a bold step, becoming a North American-exclusive tournament, with the final European-based teams making their move to the U.S. But fear not, the tournament’s global popularity remains stronger than ever. Millions of fans from around the world eagerly tune in to every match, buzzing with excitement.
Call of Duty League History
The 2023 Call of Duty League season was a game-changer, with the New York Subliners dominating by winning two Majors and the World Championship without dropping a single map. Their historic run left Toronto Ultra in the dust. Meanwhile, the league hit record-breaking viewership, streaming on Twitch and YouTube simultaneously.
2022 saw Atlanta FaZe dominate the regular season, but the LA Thieves stunned everyone by stealing the championship in a thrilling Championship Weekend.
SEE: 6 of the Greatest Esports Rivalries: Gaming’s Major Grudges
In 2021, the shift to Black Ops Cold War and the return to 4v4 format made for fierce competition. Atlanta FaZe ultimately triumphed, defeating Dallas Empire in a nail-biting grand final.
The 2020 season was split into spring and summer, with Dallas Empire taking home the title after a commanding 5-1 victory over Atlanta FaZe in the grand final.
Call of Duty League Game Modes
Call of Duty itself has over a dozen game modes, depending on the version you’re playing. For the Call of Duty League 2024 season, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was the base game used.
In Modern Warfare 3, there are:
- 12 Standard Playlists (three are Call of Duty League 2024 season’s game modes)
- 8 Advanced Playlists
- 6 Community Playlists
- 3 Face-Off Playlists
- 5 Elite Playlists
- 4 Alternate Game Modes
- 3 Special Ops
We’ll be focusing on three of the standard playlists, which are primarily used for the Call of Duty League 2024 season. Here are the game modes:
Hardpoint
The team that reaches 250 points first claims victory, or if the game timer hits zero, the team with the highest point tally wins.
In the Call of Duty League, Hardpoint is the most sought-after game mode. It is a battlefield in chaos, and the key to victory is securing the Hardpoint. It’s not just about shooting – it’s about strategy. The goal is simple – reach 250 points or have the most points when time runs out. Teams rush to claim the Hardpoint, earning precious points for every second they hold it.
But here’s the twist—if the enemy enters the zone, it becomes “Contested,” freezing point accumulation until the area is cleared. Every sixty seconds, the action shifts to a new Hardpoint location, giving teams a chance to plan their moves and strategize. With predictable rotations, it’s all about perfecting those tactics and chasing that glory!
Toronto Ultra dominated this mode in their first game against Atlanta FaZe back in Sunday’s (January 28) Major I championship.
Search & Destroy
Either set off or disarm the bomb at one of the two designated locations, or eliminate the opposing enemies to secure victory.
In Search & Destroy, every move counts because there are no respawns—making it one of the most volatile Call of Duty League game modes. It’s a battle of wits and precision. The mission: either detonate or defuse a bomb or wipe out the enemy team. Teams take turns attacking and defending, creating a suspenseful back-and-forth.
Planting the bomb starts a countdown, and the defenders must defuse it in time. Alternatively, wiping out the opposition secures the win. The first team to score six victories takes the match, turning each round into a nail-biting test of teamwork and tactical finesse. Get ready for high-stakes drama and intense gameplay!
Control
Capture or protect two designated zones on the map within a specified time frame, or wipe out all respawns of the opposing team for victory.
Enter Control—a unique mix of Hardpoint and Search & Destroy elements. Teams switch between attacking and defending two zones on the map, each with a pool of 30 lives. Victory comes by capturing both zones, running out the clock, or eliminating the enemy respawns.
The battle unfolds over three rounds, demanding adaptability and strategic thinking. It’s a delicate dance of offense and defense, offering players and viewers a thrilling showcase of skill. Control is all about finding that perfect balance and creating unforgettable moments in the Call of Duty League.
Call of Duty League Teams
| Team | Roster | |
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Atlanta FaZe | Drazah, Simp, aBeZy, Cellium |
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Boston Breach | Cammy, Snoopy, Purp, Owakening, Pentagrxm |
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Carolina Royal Ravens | TJHaLy, SlasheR, Vivid, Gwinn |
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Cloud9 New York | Attach, Kremp, Sib, Mack |
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Las Vegas Falcons | Khhx, Exnid, Roxas, KingAbody |
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Los Angeles Guerrillas | KiSMET, Skyz, Lynz, Priestahh |
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Los Angeles Thieves | HyDra, Scrappy, Envoy, Ghosty |
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Miami Heretics | MettalZ, Reeal, RenKoR, Lucky, SupeR |
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Minnesota RØKKR | Gio, Nero, Estreal, PaulEhx |
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OpTic TEXAS | Shotzzy, Kenny, Huke, Dashy |
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Toronto Ultra | Insight, JoeDeceives, Beans, CleanX |
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Vancouver Surge | AbuuZ, 04, Nastie, Hicksy |
Call of Duty League 2025 So Far
Major 1: A European Comeback!
The Toronto Ultra is kicking off Major 1 in spectacular fashion—but not in Toronto. This time, the action heads to Madrid, Spain, marking the first Call of Duty League European return since 2020! Online qualifiers run from December 8 to January 26, setting the stage for an epic LAN tournament from January 30 to February 2.
Major 2: OpTic Texas Defends Their Crown
All eyes are on Dallas, Texas, as OpTic Texas hosts Major 2. With online qualifiers from February 14 to March 16, the reigning champs aim to defend their home turf during the LAN tournament from March 20 to 23. Can OpTic keep their streak alive?
Major 3: Sunshine and Showdowns
The Miami Heretics bring Major 3 to sunny Ft. Lauderdale, Florida! Online qualifiers heat up from April 4 to April 20, with the LAN showdown set for April 24 to 27. Expect beach vibes and intense battles!
Major 4: The Mystery Major
Major 4 is shrouded in mystery, with no host team or LAN tournament dates announced yet. What we do know: online qualifiers are scheduled from May 2 to May 18. Stay tuned for updates on this wildcard event!
