Empire To Acquire OpTic In Rostermania Shake-up
We’re currently sitting within one of the most exhilarating Rostermania periods in Call of Duty history. Following Atlanta FaZe’s dominant victory at the 2021 CDL Champs event, the tables are shifting in every way imaginable. In recent weeks, the professional rosters have seen some of the biggest shake-ups, with certain teams clearing out their entire starting squads. Now, in the latest report, it seems that Dallas Empire may be set to acquire OpTic Chicago.
But what does that mean for the Call of Duty League?
Reportedly, Dallas Empire’s parent organisation, Envy Gaming, is seeking to acquire the prolific OpTic Gaming brand. Then, the plan would be to merge the two teams – Empire and OpTic, retaining the OpTic iconography and naming convention. Finally, the open slot created by the merger would be sold to an entirely new, fresh franchise.
As Rostermania unfolds, it seems that the starting line-up for this alleged squad would be Scump, Dashy, Shotzzy, and iLLeY – a formidable team.
Who Can Escape Rostermania?
Throughout the last month, teams have made drastic changes – some expected, some completely out of the left field. On the 28th of August, OpTic’s FormaL announced his retirement from Call of Duty after eleven years in the industry. He’s a world champion, and one of the winningest players in COD history, but he has admitted that he’s losing his competitive fire.
Elsewhere, both Vivid and Crimsix were dropped from Dallas Empire, the latter being a considerable shock. If you’re into Call of Duty esports, you’ll recognise that Crimsix is one of the best COD players of all time – and the biggest earner. As he moves into the role of a free agent, it’s anyone’s guess where he’ll end up.
At the end of the 2021 CDL season, Paris, Seattle, and LAG stripped their rosters entirely. The London Royal Ravens almost followed suit, retaining just Afr0 from the 2021 line-up. From OpTic Chicago, Envoy was also dropped, following a less than favourable 2021 performance.
However, not every team has made changes – at the moment. The likes of Rokkr, LA Thieves, Ultra, NYSL, Florida, and FaZe have so far retained their 2021 squads. It’s unlikely Atlanta FaZe will make amendments to the formula, neither will the likes of Toronto Ultra, or the New York Subliners.
What Awaits In the 2022 Season?
It seems that every Call of Duty player is excited for the potential of Call of Duty Vanguard. In recent weeks, competitive players and fans alike have taken to the airwaves to voice their anticipation. As the closed beta unravels, we’re seeing snapshots into what Vanguard might hold, and it looks okay, for now. It’ll likely become a hotbed for esports betting as soon as the season kicks off next February.
Although, there’s still a long way until November, and the platform is set to change dramatically. When Call of Duty Vanguard launches at the end of 2021, it’ll become the stage for the CDL 2022 season, without a doubt. However, between now and then, Rostermania will continue to push on in force, sculpting the landscape with each passing day.
It’s time to sit back, potentially relive the 2021 season, and see what happens next in the world of competitive COD.
