Call of Duty League Championship 2025 preview and predictions

The biggest event of the Call of Duty esports calendar is right around the corner. After four Majors and weeks of online competition, the top eight franchises are headed to Kitchener, Canada, to compete for the Call of Duty League Championship trophy.

Since December 2024, 12 franchises have competed across online and LAN competitions, aiming to finish the regular season in the top eight positions to qualify for Championship Weekend.

Ahead of the event’s opening day of matches, Esports Insider takes a look at the first wave of matches and attempts to select the winner of an event that’s capable of springing plenty of surprises.

The 2025 edition of the CDL Championship kicks off with a mid-table clash between Vancouver Surge and Miami Heretics, two franchises that have showcased plenty of ability throughout the regular season. 

Vancouver will aim to build on two Major Grand Final appearances during the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 season, while Miami plans to end the season on a high after scoring a top-three finish at Major 4. 

With both sides capable of contending among the best teams, there’s every chance the first series of the tournament goes all the way down to the fifth and final map. Given Miami’s recent form, Esports Insider sees the Spaniards advancing to the next round of the winner’s bracket. Meanwhile, Vancouver Surge will battle it out in the elimination bracket.

Winner: Miami Heretics 3-1

For the second half of the regular season, the Los Angeles Thieves has been the team to beat after winning back-to-back Majors in April and May. For the Black Ops 6 season, LA Thieves owner Matt ‘Nadeshot’ Haag assembled a roster to compete at the very top of the league, and this season, spending big on top talent has paid off.

For Boston Breach, the regular season was a battle to remain within touching distance of the hotly contested midfield battle. Strong Major 3 qualifiers combined with a top-six finish at the Major 3 LAN wrapped up qualification. 

A Boston victory over the most recent Major winner would come as a huge shock. Considering how the Thieves has cemented itself as one of the CDL’s powerhouses, anything other than victory for Los Angeles would be regarded as a disappointment.

Winner: Los Angeles Thieves 3-0

Having been on the verge of reaching a Major Grand Final on several occasions during the regular season, Toronto Ultra is aiming to impress in front of a hometown crowd. Top three placements at two of the four Majors were signs of the franchise moving into the CDL’s upper echelons, and a strong result in Kitchener can round off a solid season. 

The early run of form from the Carolina Royal Ravens suggested a change of fortune for the franchise, which has a roster packed with experience. Following an impressive top-four finish at Major 1, the team’s form quickly spiralled towards the bottom of the league table. Despite this, online performance and early-season results were enough to earn a Champs place for the Royal Ravens. 

This match could see Toronto Ultra dominate the opposition. However, even if this Royal Ravens side fires on all cylinders, Toronto Ultra remains the favourite.

Winner: Toronto Ultra 3-1

Ending the opening day is Atlanta FaZe battling against OpTic Texas in the latest chapter of the storied rivalry between FaZe Clan and OpTic Gaming. Atlanta kicked off the Black Ops 6 season with back-to-back Major victories, putting the franchise immediately in contention for Champs success. 

On the other hand, this season has been one of the most turbulent for the Green Wall, with regular roster changes and poor performances leaving the defending CDL Champions on the verge of missing out on a place in the top eight. 

With OpTic Texas looking to end the season on a high, this series has all the ingredients required to go the distance. Even with an OpTic resurgence, Atlanta’s consistency will shine through. 

Winner: Atlanta FaZe 3-1

With several franchises in contention to lift the Call of Duty League trophy, predicting the eventual winner is a tricky task.

The double-elimination bracket format also lends itself to franchises making deep runs in a bid for championship glory.

Having won the two most recent CDL tournaments, the Los Angeles Thieves has an excellent opportunity to secure its second CDL championship trophy.

With the likes of Atlanta FaZe, OpTic, and Toronto Ultra all capable of performing on any given day, one of the three franchises is likely to join LAThieves in the Grand Final. Although this trio knows what it takes to win, LA Thieves have the aggression and experience to overcome any opponent standing in its way in a best-of-nine series.

CDL Championship 2025 winner: Los Angeles Thieves

Fans can tune into the 2025 CDL Championship by watching the action exclusively live on the Call of Duty League YouTube channel.

Alternatively, several content creators will be hosting watch parties, offering different perspectives and additional insight on the matches taking place.