Call of Duty’s esports scene has seen countless changes over the years. It has gone from being an ecosystem powered by typical organisations like compLexity, OpTic Gaming, and FaZe Clan, to a franchised league backed by tens of millions of dollars. For the most part, the same organisations are involved, but their teams look totally different. In this breakdown, we’re taking a look at the best Call of Duty teams in the Call of Duty League in 2023, figuring out which of them sit at the top of the power rankings.
Outside of the Call of Duty League, you have COD Challengers and some Warzone competitors, but it’s in the League itself that the best COD teams exist. It’s the pinnacle of modern COD esports, and it’s where the most talented players go to find fame and fortune. It has the backing of Activision Blizzard, and it draws in millions of viewers every year.
But which are the best Call of Duty teams playing in that League in 2023?
Top Call of Duty League Teams
Image Credit: Atlanta FaZe
It’s worth stressing that the Call of Duty League is an ever-changing thing, and these power rankings could switch dramatically in the space of just a few weeks. There’s no big secret surrounding the fact that the skill gap in Call of Duty esports is so narrow that every single team on the board more or less has a chance to win big, even if it might take them a while to do so. Even the best Call of Duty teams in the business can be beaten – and they certainly have been in the past, numerous times.
Below sits the top five Call of Duty teams in the League at the time of publishing. They’re the most capable and consistent organisations in the business, and they’re typically the favourite in any series.
1. Atlanta FaZe
Without any shadow of a doubt, Atlanta FaZe is the best Call of Duty team in the world right now. It’s made up of the likes of aBeZy, Simp, Cellium, and SlasheR, who are all considered to be some of the best Call of Duty players in the business. There’s a whirlwind of prodigy-based talent wrapped up in aBeZy, Simp, and Cellium, and SlasheR is an industry veteran with years in the business.
During the 2021 CDL season, Atlanta FaZe became one of the most dominant teams ever seen, producing something that could have been considered a dynasty. An overall record of 34 – 7, three Major wins, and securing the Championship cemented this team as one of the all-time greats.
In 2023, Atlanta FaZe tops the regular season standings for the third year in a row, sitting high above the opposing teams with ease. At the end of Major II, FaZe lifted the trophy, and the squad remains a firm favourite for the CDL Championship.
2. OpTic Texas
Powered by some rookie talent and young superstars, OpTic Texas is certainly one of the best Call of Duty teams in 2023. It’s an ever-consistent and capable side that’s instantly recognisable in the COD esports scene. During the Major IV qualifiers, OpTic Texas became the first team all season to produce a perfect 5 – 0 record, standing tall as the favourite for the Major and a frontrunner for the CDL Championship.
Every player on the OpTic Texas squad is a popular and skilled competitor, and time and again, the organisation proves why it’s one of the hottest and most iconic brands in gaming.
3. Toronto Ultra
Toronto Ultra has always been a relatively stable team, but in 2023, the squad picked up its performance and took it to the next level. Following the signing of two rookie superstars – Scrappy and Hicksy, Toronto Ultra powered its way to a massive win at Major III. During every Major qualifying stage except for Major IV, Toronto Ultra has been a T3 team. It’s one of the most legitimate contenders for the Championship this year, and it could easily go all the way.
4. New York Subliners
Since winning Major I, the New York Subliners have remained relatively consistent and proven that they’re still the ultimate underdog side in the fight. Featuring the collective talents of Kismet, Skyz, HyDra, and Priestahh, the Subliners have managed to sit in a T5 position for most of the season. In recent years, the Subliners have failed to produce any serious results, but in 2023, NYSL certainly is one of the best Call of Duty teams around.
5. LA Thieves
The LA Thieves, like Atlanta FaZe and OpTic Texas, is backed by a hugely recognisable and successful organisation – 100 Thieves. Toward the end of the 2022 season, the LA Thieves secured greatness by winning a Major and Champs back-to-back, and in the 2023 season, it remains one of the best COD teams on the board. In almost every stage, the LA Thieves has been a T5 squad, pushing ever closer to picking up another chip and remaining a firm frontrunner for another Championship title.
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