Riyadh Falcons: CDL 2026 Team Preview
After a difficult 2025 season that saw them finish in last place, the franchise formerly known as the Las Vegas Falcons has undergone a monumental transformation. Relocating to Saudi Arabia and rebranding as the Riyadh Falcons, the organization has made a massive statement of intent by building a roster stacked with world champions. This is no longer a team looking to just compete; the Riyadh Falcons have assembled a superteam with the clear and explicit goal of winning championships in the 2026 Black Ops 7 season.
Riyadh Falcons Roster Overview
The Falcons have completely rebuilt their team from the ground up, constructing a lineup that features three of the most accomplished and talented players in the Call of Duty League. By surrounding a core of decorated North American veterans with promising local talent, they have created a fascinating and high-potential international roster.
The 2026 Riyadh Falcons starting roster is:
- Main AR: McArthur “Cellium” Jovel
- Flex: Matthew “KiSMET” Tinsley
- SMG: Amer “Pred” Zulbeari
- SMG: Saud “Exnid” Alotai
Key Players to Watch
Cellium: The blockbuster acquisition of the offseason, Cellium joins the Falcons after a legendary seven-year tenure with the FaZe organization. Widely considered one of the best and most talented AR players of all time, his individual skill, unique playstyle, and championship pedigree make him the centerpiece of this new dynasty project. How he adapts to a new team environment for the first time in his CDL career and leads this squad will be the defining storyline for the Falcons.
Pred & KiSMET: This SMG-Flex duo brings a massive amount of slaying power and championship experience. Pred is an explosive and hyper-aggressive SMG player, known for his ability to completely take over games with his raw gunskill. KiSMET, a former world champion himself, is a versatile and intelligent player who brings veteran leadership and a clutch factor in high-pressure moments. The synergy between these two proven winners will be critical to the team’s success in respawn game modes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
The raw talent on this roster is undeniable. In Cellium and Pred, the Falcons have two of the best players in the world at their respective positions. The combined experience of three world champions (Cellium, Pred, KiSMET) provides a level of game knowledge and composure that few teams can match. This team is built to win through overwhelming firepower and should be one of the most formidable slaying teams in the league.
Weaknesses:
The biggest question mark for the Riyadh Falcons is how the team will come together and the development of their rookie SMG, Exnid. While he is a promising Saudi Arabian talent, he is entering a league of superstars and will need to adapt quickly to the highest level of competition. Furthermore, the team is composed of strong personalities who will need to build chemistry quickly to live up to their “superteam” label. Their performance will be under intense scrutiny from the very first match.
Season Outlook
The Riyadh Falcons have gone from the bottom of the league to a championship-or-bust contender in a single offseason. This is a team built with a blank check and the highest possible expectations. On paper, they have the talent to compete with the likes of FaZe Vegas, OpTic Texas, and the LA Thieves for tournament titles.
Their success will depend on how quickly the four players can gel into a cohesive unit and how well Exnid transitions to the professional level. This is a team with an incredibly high ceiling, capable of winning multiple Major tournaments and making a run at the World Championship. The Falcons are no longer an easy win; they are one of the new titans of the Call of Duty League, and they are here to contend for the throne.
