CDL fans! It’s time for the final major of the MW2 CDL season before champs. With so much on the line, this is the most important tournament of the season yet. Only 8 teams can qualify for Champs with 5 of those spots already taken. This weekend determines who will be the last 8 teams standing this season. The hype is real. Ya’ll already know the Major can’t start until The People’s Champ drops his power rankings. Below is how I rank the teams from 1-12 and essentially where I think they’ll place this weekend. Let’s get to these rankings.
1. OpTic Texas
OpTic Texas has been playing the best COD in the CDL lately. Placing 2nd in Major 3 & 4 they are still hunting for their 1st championship of the season. Ever since they brought Ghosty in they’ve looked like a new team. They are the best Hardpoint team in the league. Their only weakness is their Control, but are easily a top 6 team in that mode. This is OpTic’s Major to win.
2. Atlanta FaZe
Atlanta FaZe is probably the most consistent team in the league and are favorites to win every Major they attend for a reason. They’re easily the best S&D team in the league. While their respawn hasn’t looked as good as it has in previous years, their hardpoint has been improving lately. If they get hot during the tournament no one will be able to stop them.
3. Toronto Ultra
Toronto Ultra has the best young talent in the league in Scrappy and Hicksy. Toting the best Control record in the league this season, they are levels above everyone in that mode. Their hardpoint hasn’t looked great this stage but they are still one of the best hardpoint teams in the CDL. They are one of the most well-rounded teams and are a contender to win Champs.
4. New York Subliners
New York Subliners are a streaky team but when they’re hot they can beat anyone in the CDL. They have a great Hardpoint and solid Control. They can keep up with every team in Search as well. Their control has looked shaky lately. It really does depend on what NY team shows up this weekend. No one will stop them if they are playing like they did in Major 1. They need to veto Fortress as that is one of their weaker maps in Hardpoint.
5. Boston Breach
Boston Breach doesn’t get the respect they deserve. They’ve been getting better as the season progresses and are one of the better Control teams in the league. Their hardpoint has looked alright but nothing to rave about. Their search this stage has looked awful. Overall they are a well-rounded team that extends series and match up well against everyone. If they don’t improve on their S&D they might not make it to championship Sunday.
6. Los Angeles Thieves
If it wasn’t for the awful stage they’ve had so far I’d have them in my top 3. They have been a top 3 respawn team in the league and their search is solid. They have a tough task ahead of them starting in the elimination bracket. However, if they play like their usual selves this weekend we’ll be seeing another legendary tournament run from them. This is not a team you want to face in LAN.
7. Seattle Surge
Seattle Surge has the firepower to keep up with anyone in the league. Their issue is their consistency. Pred is a generational talent, he just needs his supporting cast to show up. When Mack is on fire they look like the best team in the league. Their hardpoint is stellar. They are one of the worst S&D teams in the league. They need to improve their Search and consistently be on the same page to turn this season around.
8. Minnesota Rokkr
Minnesota Rokkr started the MW2 season hot but progressively got worse throughout the year. However, they are looking better this stage since they brought back Attach. Their control is pretty good but there isn’t really a mode they excel in. They might make some upsets this weekend but I’m not expecting much from them.
9. Las Vegas Legion
Legion have had their ups and down this season. Arguably the worst control team in the league. However, they’ve had some slight improvements in that mode. They are one of the best S&D teams this year but rely on that mode too much. They need to compete in their control matches if they want to make it to champs. Under Clayster’s leadership and the addition of Staandy, they have a chance to do something special this weekend.
10. Florida Mutineers
I’m not going to sugarcoat it, they’ve had a very disappointing season. They’ve looked great in the latter part of the season, especially in this latest stage. They find themselves starting at the winner’s bracket this Major. However, this late-season run they’ve been on just happened too late. As they no longer have the chance to qualify for Champs. Vikul has been playing great and these guys are finally clicking. This weekend we’ll see if they give up on the season or if they make a legendary run to carry some momentum into next season.
11. Los Angeles Guerillas
Los Angeles guerillas could not get anything going this season. While they had some competitive matches, their season has been over since the end of Major 4 basically. I don’t see them making any crazy upsets this Major. They’ll most likely go through the motions this weekend and start their rebuilding phase in the offseason.
12. London Ravens
At this point, I just feel bad for them. With only 6 online matches won and 0 LAN wins this year they are limping towards the finish line. They’ll most likely exit the tournament after their first match. If there is anything to build on this season, it’s how good Asim has played. They need to secure Asim and build around him so they can be a competitive team next year.
