Call of Duty Championship 2016 Preview
The 2016 Call of Duty World League Championship is set to be the biggest tournament in the history of Call of Duty eSports. Here at Gfinity, I’ll be previewing what is set to be a fascinating weekend of action.
Is this the year of the Green Wall?
OpTic Gaming have been dominating throughout the majority of the Black Ops 3 season. After failing to live up to their expectations last year, the Green Wall have been practicing hard for the main event. However, if the bracket falls the way that many have predicted, it will not be an easy ride for OpTic, who seek their first World Championship since 2011.
Australian Hopes
As always at CoD Champs, we should never rule out our Australian brethren’s, who like to spring an upset. However, this year, I personally believe the region will struggle. Both Mindfreak and Tainted Minds, Australia’s biggest threats, are in the same group and are up against some tricky opposition. As a result, I can't see a single Australian team making it out of their respective groups this year. But, as we've seen in the past, anything can happen at Champs.
Europe's time to shine
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 has seen somewhat of a resurgence of European Call of Duty, largely due to the introduction of the Call of Duty World League. However, with Millenium coming into the biggest tournament of the year without talisman Callum "Swanny" Swan, all eyes are firmly on Team Infused and Splyce to make an impact.
Throughout the year, Team Infused have continued to silence their critics, as they put on a string of impressive performances, notably placing within the Top 6 teams at MLG Anaheim. However, in order to truly cement themselves as not only a top tier team in Europe but also the world, Infused will need to recreate their recent form on the biggest stage in Call of Duty history.
Widely considered as Europe’s best chance for a top placement at CoD XP, Splyce are heading into the event with high expectations. After falling short against OpTic Gaming in the Grand Finals of ESWC, in which they also defeated North American powerhouses Rise Nation and FaZe Clan, Splyce should not be underestimated in their path for vengeance.
Dark Horses
This year, we've seen some of the very best CoD action from all over the world. One of my teams to watch is FAB Games. The former Exertus roster surprised many during the online phase of the CWL and had a solid showing at the Gfinity Summer Masters. I would definitely keep an eye on them as they go up against Mindfreak in their group.
My other team to watch is Millenium. With Swanny unable to attend CoD XP, the team have acquired 2013 world champion Marcus "MirX" Carter. If he can fit in with the team, I can see them making a deep run in the bracket.
Predictions
As with any tournament on Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, I believe OpTic Gaming will go all the way and secure the championship. Despite some shock defeats earlier in the season, no other team has come close to knocking down the Green Wall.
In recent months, Team EnVyUs have been the only team able to match OpTic Gaming in terms of skill. As a result, I think we will see them join OG in the Grand Finals, for an El Clásico showdown.
As for Europe, I genuinely believe that this year may be our most successful one yet. Team Infused and Splyce both possess enough experience and skill to compete against their established peers. Both teams can challenge for a top 4 placement, and who knows, maybe even ultimate glory. We will just have to wait and see.
Photo Credit: NCompass International
Who do you think will win the big one? Will anyone be able to beat OpTic? Let us know in the comments below!
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