Call of Duty Challengers team seeks funding for Dallas Open

The Pit, a social media account specialising in covering Call of Duty esports in Europe, has launched a fundraising page for a team competing in Call of Duty Challengers.

The page was created after an agreement with an unnamed brand fell through for the all-French roster of Mighty, Melko, Nadox, and Syqz ahead of the event.

For the fifth seed from Europe to compete at the Dallas Open, taking place as part of DreamHack Dallas, the community is looking to raise €2,200 (~£1.852) to cover event costs.

Alongside the fundraiser, UK-based esports organisation Mission Magpies has revealed it will cover the cost of accommodation for the event, which runs alongside the fourth Major of the Call of Duty League (CDL) season.

“We want to try and assist this team getting to the event,” said The Pit in a social media post. “If any brands want to directly cover the cost and collab with Magpies for the event, please reach out.

The all-French roster has hovered around the top of Europe’s Challengers scene, with several top six placements across online Cups and Elite tournaments.

The team scored a top-16 placement at the first Dallas Open and a top-24 finish at the Miami Open, cementing the team as one of Europe’s top prospects.

Despite the good intentions from members of the Call of Duty community, the creation of the funding page has received backlash from some fans. Mission Magpies has since issued a response, stating the page is ‘to help out a good team.’

In previous seasons of the CDL, franchises have fielded Academy rosters to support amateur players but in recent years, initiatives have ceased as franchises opt to focus on their main team.

While the CDL attracts several sponsors and interests from several esports organisations, Call of Duty Challengers is lacking the support needed to provide players with a pathway to the highest tier of competition.