Call of Duty Esports Guide | Everything You Need to Know

Call of Duty Esports Guide | Everything You Need to Know

As a seasoned gamer and esports enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing some truly remarkable talents grace the Call of Duty scene. And among them all, none have left as lasting an impression on me as FormaL.


1. “Call of Duty is among the most exhilarating First-Person Shooter (FPS) series ever created. With over two decades behind it, this game has consistently ranked as one of the top esports titles for the last ten years. In this guide, we delve into the intricacies of Call of Duty esports, providing information on prominent tournaments and the key players who have contributed significantly to the development of the competitive scene.”

If you want to know as much as possible about COD esports, look no further than this guide.

Is Call of Duty an Esports Game?

In simpler terms, any game with a competitive multiplayer mode can be considered an esport. But Call of Duty goes beyond that. With strong backing from Activision Blizzard and top-tier esports teams, it has built a multimillion-dollar esports community.

For over a decade, Call of Duty has been expanding as a popular esport. The initial major Call of Duty tournaments emerged around 2012 with the release of Black Ops II. During this time, the first-ever Call of Duty World Championship tournament took place. However, the roots of COD esports can be traced back even earlier due to the efforts of organizations like MLG and others.

Call of Duty esports may not reach the same level of popularity and financial value as Counter-Strike or Dota 2, but they nevertheless attract large audiences, drawing hundreds of thousands of viewers for every new competition.

Best Call of Duty Tournaments

Call of Duty Esports Guide | Everything You Need to Know

As an avid fan of Call of Duty esports, I can’t help but marvel at the exhilarating tournaments that keep this scene thriving. Each year, the elite Call of Duty teams go head-to-head for massive cash prizes and unmatched prestige, gracing grand stages across the globe to lock horns with their formidable adversaries.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the best Call of Duty esports tournaments:

  • Call of Duty League: The top-tier competitive league in COD esports which takes place annually
  • Call of Duty Challengers: The second-level tier of competitive Call of Duty that is played alongside the CDL
  • World Series of Warzone: Call of Duty Warzone’s foremost tournament, which is played on a global level
  • Esports World Cup: Call of Duty appears at the Esports World Cup with a multiplayer and a battle royale category

What is the most valuable Call of Duty tournament?

1. The top-tier Call of Duty competition, known as the Call of Duty League, offers the richest prizes in Call of Duty gaming. Each year, it boasts a prize pool worth more than $5 million.

What is the most popular Call of Duty tournament?

1. In the year 2024, the Call of Duty League continues to be the most-watched COD competition, with audience numbers nearly hitting 500,000 viewers for each event. (Paraphrased)

Related: Best Esports Tournaments Right Now

Best Call of Duty Pro Players

Call of Duty Esports Guide | Everything You Need to Know

As someone who has been following Call of Duty esports since its early days, I must say that the caliber and skill level of the top players in the game’s history is truly awe-inspiring. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of witnessing some truly remarkable performances and strategies that have elevated this competitive scene to new heights. From the intense teamwork displayed during major tournaments to the individual prowess showcased in one-on-one matches, it’s clear that these players have dedicated their lives to mastering the game. I am always amazed by their ability to adapt to ever-changing mechanics and strategies while maintaining a relentless focus on victory. These top Call of Duty players serve as an inspiration for gamers everywhere, pushing the boundaries of what is possible within this competitive landscape.

Damon ‘Karma’ Barlow

2024 saw Karma earning the unique distinction of being the initial COD player to amass four ‘titles’ upon clinching the Call of Duty League Championship, serving as OpTic Texas’ coach. Previously, he had accumulated three world championships as a player and claimed the inaugural title in BO2 back in 2012 with Fariko Impact.

Ian ‘Crimsix’ Porter

Among all Call of Duty (COD) players, Crimsix holds the record for the most victories and championship titles. Even in retirement, his accomplishments continue to be celebrated, earning him recognition as a Hall of Famer within the COD community.

Seth ‘Scump’ Abner

1. Prior to his retirement in 2023, Scump was widely recognized as the Monarch of Call of Duty. For a long time, he served as the symbol of Call of Duty esports and is among the most renowned creators and players within the Call of Duty community.

Chris ‘Simp’ Lehr

1) In the world of Call of Duty esports, Simp is widely recognized as a prodigious talent, consistently outperforming other players with an impressive level of consistency. For years, he’s proudly represented Atlanta FaZe, and his numerous victories and near-misses have made him one of the wealthiest professional gamers in the industry.

Matthew ‘FormaL’ Piper

As a gamer myself, I’ve got a bit of history – back then, I was dominating Call of Duty tournaments, but now you can find me competing in Halo. Many in the community see me as one of the greatest controller-wielding esports players out there, and it’s not just talk; I’m among the select few who’ve managed to claim an Esports World Championship title in not one, but two different games.

Related: Is Esports a Good Career Path?

How to Watch Call of Duty Esports

The location for the broadcast of the Call of Duty League by Activision Blizzard shifts from year to year between Twitch and YouTube. This is the extent of the discussion on the topic; it’s simply a matter of which platform is being used.

Yearly, top Call of Duty streamers join the “co-streaming” roster, enabling viewers with an abundance of options to enjoy Call of Duty gameplay live online.

Best Call of Duty Teams

Call of Duty Esports Guide | Everything You Need to Know

1. In the world of Call of Duty, team lineups are constantly shifting, yet the fundamental organizations typically stay consistent. While individual players frequently swap out, the overall structure of these organizations generally stays stable.

Here are some of the best Call of Duty teams in the esports scene right now:

  • OpTic Texas
  • Atlanta FaZe
  • Toronto Ultra
  • New York Subliners (brand shut down following acquisition by C9 in 2024)

In the Call of Duty League, where teams are permanently established due to its franchised model, there’s a minimal likelihood for significant changes. Nonetheless, several teams not part of the CDL possess impressive potential and could be worth mentioning.

  • Lore
  • OMiT
  • Decimate
  • WaR

How are COD Esports Played?

As a devoted fan of Call of Duty esports, I’ve noticed that the annual changes to the game aren’t as drastic as some other competitive titles. The modes showcased in tournaments have stayed consistent for years on end. Typically, just one mode will undergo significant shifts, keeping things familiar yet intriguing.

In COD esports, there are three primary game modes that form its essential experience: Search and Destroy, Hardpoint, and Control. Generally, matches consist of a “best-of-five” series, though finals in tournaments may be a “best-of-seven” or even “best-of-nine.” Consequently, the team that triumphs in three maps is typically declared the champion.

1) Typically, each team consists of four members and a coach, and most events in the Call of Duty sphere are played on personal computers rather than consoles. However, in competitive Call of Duty (COD), participants can only employ controllers. This rule has sparked debate among dedicated esports enthusiasts about the authenticity of the abilities demonstrated by COD players.

Can You Bet on Call of Duty?

The Call of Duty game series is well-known for its popularity in esports betting, with significant interest in North America and the UK. The busiest event for wagering on Call of Duty matches is the Call of Duty League, which is extensively covered by various betting sites due to its vast following.

Related: Esports Betting Guide

1) Here’s all the essential information regarding Call of Duty esports. Should you wish for further details, feel free to post a comment below. We will keep updating this article as necessary.

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2024-07-30 10:18