In 2020, the Call of Duty League (CDL) made the shift from a traditional to a franchised esports setup. This change brought about significant shifts for teams, players, and league operations. Activision Blizzard's goal was to advance Call of Duty esports, paralleling the approach of the Overwatch League. This transformation introduced notable enhancements, notably providing more opportunities for aspiring amateur players aiming to go pro in Call of Duty.
How do you get involved in Call of Duty League?
There are multiple ways to participate in the Call of Duty League (CDL). One approach is to join as a professional player, meeting eligibility criteria and competing in CDL events to represent one of the twelve league teams. To start, create a GameBattles account and register your team for a Call of Duty Challengers competition. Eligibility requires being at least 18 years old, residing in a qualifying region, and having good standing with your Activision, GameBattles, and PlayStation Network accounts.
Another option is to take part in the Call of Duty Challengers series as an amateur player. This lets you showcase your skills and potentially grab the attention of pro teams. Keeping track of the CDL schedule and news is vital to spot engagement opportunities and stay connected with the league's activities. Additionally, note that during weeks with online CDL matches, "two-way" players can serve as eligible substitutes for their CDL team.
Staying informed about the CDL schedule and announcements is crucial to identify ways to engage with the league. This involves following official CDL social media, checking the league's website, and looking out for updates on open tryouts, scouting events, or fresh pathways for involvement.
Is there a path to the pro system for amateur players?
For aspiring players within the Call of Duty League (CDL), a pathway exists to transition from amateur to professional status. Activision, the publisher of the Call of Duty franchise, established the "path to pro" system to offer a platform for emerging talent to demonstrate their abilities and potentially secure spots in professional squads. Amateurs can engage in the Call of Duty Challengers series, featuring both online and offline competitions.
Traditionally, esports teams recruited players through various means, often utilizing their dedicated Discord channels for tryouts. However, a fresh avenue has emerged for amateur players to gain recognition from Call of Duty esports teams. Activision Blizzard's introduction of the CDL league brought forth two novel paths into this arena, notably attracting ambitious players seeking prominence.
In the former Call of Duty World League (CWL), amateur tournaments provided teams that didn't qualify for the CWL Pro League an opportunity to shine and partake in the pro season. Events like the MTN DEW AMP GAME FUEL Open Bracket at CWL Anaheim gave new talents coverage during CoD tournament broadcasts.
The Call of Duty Challengers opens doors for anyone to participate, constituting a dedicated route for players on their journey to professional status.
How Does Call of Duty Challengers Work?
Call of Duty Challengers serves as a platform tailored for amateur players, offering an arena to display their skills and potentially garner attention from professional teams. To take part, players must fulfill specific eligibility criteria, including being at least 18 years old. Challengers engage in a variety of events to earn Challengers Points, propelling them toward higher-stakes competitive scenarios.
Challengers Points serve as a tracking system for amateur players, enabling self-assessment against fellow amateur Call of Duty gamers. These points also aid Call of Duty League teams in identifying and scouting emerging talent. They play a crucial role in determining team qualification and seeding for various Challengers events during the season. Further details about Challengers Points and additional events are forthcoming.
Competition Points are distributed as follows:
Challengers Cups: Allocation of 2,000 Challengers Points
Challengers Elite: Distribution of 15,000 Challengers Points
This design establishes a comprehensive worldwide competitive framework, extending opportunities to the finest amateur Call of Duty players across the globe. The Challengers format encompasses both online and offline competitions, enabling players to manifest their capabilities and strive for success. To join the Call of Duty Challengers system, participants need to:
Create a GameBattles account
Enroll their team in an Online Call of Duty Challengers competition within their region
Maintain good standing with Activision, GameBattles, and PlayStation Network accounts
Be at least 18 years old
Compete within their associated GameBattles region (North America, Europe, Asia)
Not have affiliations with Activision, its employees, or related entities
Not simultaneously appear on more than one Challengers team roster
Possess valid passport, visa, or necessary governmental authorization for travel and participation.
FAQs
A. Cod League players' earnings fluctuate based on their expertise, experience, and team achievements, with the average CDL player reportedly earning around $60,000 per year, while top performers have the potential to amass higher income from sponsorships, bonuses, and prize winnings.
A. To take part in Call of Duty Challengers competitions, gamers must be at least 18 years old and fulfill all eligibility prerequisites.
A. Teams generate revenue through sponsorships, merchandise sales, investments, payments from developers and leagues, as well as, to a lesser extent, streaming, secondary ventures, and other avenues.
