OpTic Texas has claimed the Call of Duty League Championship trophy, marking their first championship win since 2017. The victory, celebrated by a passionate fan base, took place at the Credit Union of Texas Events Center in Allen, Texas, where thousands of fans gathered to cheer on their team.

The climactic event of the year, hosted by OpTic Gaming, saw the team dominate the upper bracket, setting the stage for a thrilling face-off against the previous champions, the New York Subliners. This match was not just a battle for the title but also a historic moment, as the Subliners aimed to become the first team in Call of Duty history to win consecutive championships.

The victory sees Kenneth “Kenny” Williams and Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro joining the elite ranks of players with two championship rings. Brandon “Dashy” Otell and Amer “Pred” Zulbeari celebrated their first rings, while coach and former three-time world champion, Damon “Karma” Barlow added to his illustrious collection, securing his fourth ring—three as a player and one as a coach.

During his post-match interview, Kenny after the match:

“It feels amazing to do it with another team. I love these boys. We worked for this. A lot of ups and downs, but overall, we won it, so I’m happy.”

In a remarkable performance, Shotzzy was named the tournament MVP, with fans chanting “Superstar” in his honour. OpTic’s strategic advantage from the winner’s bracket allowed them to choose the maps, quickly taking a 4-1 lead over the Subliners, whom they had already defeated earlier in the tournament. They secured a decisive 5-1 victory.

This year has been exceptional for OpTic, having already won the Major 3 trophy a few months prior to their championship triumph. The Subliners also had an impressive run, finishing fourth overall and claiming the Major 4 trophy.

OpTic’s only stumble in the championship series came in the first Control map, which they lost. However, they rallied to win the second Control map, clinching the championship in a thrilling fifth round.

Remarkably, OpTic Texas defied all expectations by reversing their fortunes in the Championship. Entering the finals with a daunting 12-game losing streak in Search and Destroy (S&D), the team silenced their critics by flawlessly executing each S&D match in the Grand Final. This triumphant turnaround not only highlighted their dedication and perseverance but also served as a powerful response to those who doubted them after their disappointing last-place finish at Major 4.

The Call of Duty Challengers Grand Finals also unfolded on the main stage with electrifying anticipation as Lore Gaming and OMiT Brooklyn prepared to clash. These teams had previously locked horns in the first round of the Playoffs, where Lore Gaming swept OMiT 3-0, showcasing their dominance. However, OMiT Brooklyn wasn’t ready to be written off just yet. They clawed their way through the Losers’ Bracket, eliminating another top contender, FC Black, to earn a second chance against Lore Gaming, who were making their fourth grand finals appearance this year.

In a gripping showdown, Lore Gaming emerged victorious in the Best of 7 series, clinching the championship in a tense Game 6, Rio, S&D. Their triumph was rewarded with a prize of US$60,000, cementing their status as a formidable force in the Call of Duty arena.

As a result, Lore Gaming and OMiT Brooklyn, along with FC Black, who secured third place, and Clutch Rayn x WaR, who finished fourth, have all claimed the coveted slots in the Esports World Cup’s Modern Warfare III category. This prestigious event is set to take place next month on 15 August, promising even more thrilling battles and unforgettable moments.