The Call of Duty League kicked off its Black Ops 6 season at the end of 2024. Twelve teams began qualifying for the first major of the year, which is set to be held in Toronto. For long-time CDL fans, there is something new this year. In the past, most of the points were up for grabs at each of the majors. Qualifying was important, but teams could finish in the top eight with just one solid finish at a major. The league decided to add some intrigue in the middle of qualifying periods, scheduling a minor online tournament. The first one kicks off this weekend with some already intriguing storylines.
Call Of Duty League Minor Tournament Scoring
Since this is the first one, let’s break down how it works. All matches will be played online, just like in qualifying. It is a single-elimination tournament, with the current top four qualifiers getting a bye for the opening round. Points are scarce in these minor tournaments, making them perfect for making a move in the CDL standings. First place will receive 30 points, while the second-place team will get an additional 20. There will not be a third-place match, meaning the two teams that lose in the semi-finals will be awarded 10 points each.
This could help teams make up some lost ground in qualifying. With each qualifier victory only being worth 10 points, it limited teams’ late-season pushes. Now, teams that are on the bubble can get some all-important points to help them get into the top eight at the end of the year. This season already has some teams who could use some extra points and it is not the ones we expected heading into the season.
Preseason Favorites Struggling
Atlanta Faze has been a juggernaut in the CDL for years. While they haven’t won it all every year, they are not an easy out. They have two former MVPs in Simp and Cellium. Abezy and Hazard are former champions themselves. Faze has struggled mightily in the opening games, going 1-3 in qualifying so far. They lost 0-3 in a match for the first time in years. The only team they have beaten is the winless Vegas Falcons.
On the flip side, the three teams they have lost to are the three currently undefeated teams in the league: Carolina Royal Ravens, LA Thieves, and Toronto Ultra. Their matches against Ultra and the Thieves both came down to the final Search & Destroy. They have some things to work on, but it isn’t time to panic yet, especially if they have a solid showing in the minor tournament.
The other surprise favorite that is struggling is the LA Guerrillas. Kismet, Skyz, and Priestahh won the CDL two years ago, and the first two were in the finals last year with the New York Subliners. Many analysts tabbed them as one of the favorites to begin the year. They haven’t won a match yet. They have lost to Minnesota Rokkr, Carolina Royal Ravens, Optic Texas, and the LA Thieves. What’s worse is they have one of the worst map win percentages (33.33%) in the league.
Their situation is similar to Atlanta Faze. Their opponents in the losses are a combined 13-3 in the league right now. It stands to reason they will gather up some points as the competition gets a little easier. However, it is concerning to be behind the eight ball so early. They will be under pressure to perform and get some much-needed points this weekend.
The Favorites
Enough about the teams struggling! We’ve seen a few teams look nearly flawless in the season’s first bit. The Carolina Royal Ravens have been the best team in the league, winning 75% of the maps through the first four qualifying maps. Vivid has been leading the charge, playing excellent team Call of Duty. Overall, the team has played well together, which is a huge reason why they are 4-0. You cannot win with just one great player in the CDL. We’ve seen players have great individual seasons, but their teams struggle. The Royal Ravens are playing as a team, and it is showing in the standings.
Ultra and the Thieves have also been playing well in the CDL’s opening weeks. The Thieves have been one of the most fun teams to watch this season. Throughout the first four matches, face cams have shown lots of trash talk and laughter coming from the LA side. Hydra is playing like an MVP candidate again, and Scrap and Envoy are as solid as ever. The three undefeated teams will be fun to watch this weekend. LA and Toronto are on the same side of the bracket, meaning one of these teams won’t get a chance at the 30 points. It is a potentially huge early-season matchup.
Final Thoughts
The Call of Duty League continues to evolve. The minor tournament in the middle of qualifying is another way for fans to be able to see the best players in the world duke it out in Black Ops 6. The opening round begins on Friday with the quarterfinals on Saturday. Sunday will wrap up the tourney with the semis and the finals. All matches can be watched live on YouTube. Who will come out victorious this weekend and grab an early lead in the CDL standings?
