Can Apathy Unleash The Seattle Surge At Champs?
When it comes to phenomenal performances at the Call of Duty world championships, one name in particular always appears in conversation. Two-time world champion Bryan “Apathy” Zhelyazkov, synonymous for excelling at the biggest tournament of the Call of Duty esports season, is a player that often has a turbulent season before the world championship.
The Modern Warfare season appears to be no different. Throughout his inaugural season as a member of the Seattle Surge Call of Duty League (CDL) franchise, Apathy and three of his Surge teammates have frequently played second-fiddle to standout superstar assault rifle player Sam “Octane” Larew.
Historically, Apathy almost always has exceptional performances when the stakes have never been higher, could another standout performance during Playoffs be the key for Apathy and Seattle to unlocking the door the team has been trapped behind for the duration of the regular season?
The Ideal Wingman
Click to enlargeLooking back at previous world championships, Apathy has often been the playmaker. Whether that is making a risky, aggressive push in a round of Search & Destroy or flying head-first into a Hardpoint hill controlled by the opposition, Apathy’s ability to optimise an in-game scenario for the rest of his team to shine is often unmatched. Despite placing no higher than the top six during the regular season, Apathy has begun to hit his form, impressing recent encounters with the Chicago Huntsmen, Apathy frequently bested Huntsmen sub-machine gunner Seth “Scump” Abner, opening up areas of the map to enable Octane to assert his authority on the opposition.
The job of supporting one of the very best players on the planet cannot be placed on the shoulders of a single individual, regardless of their superb talent when the pressure is on. Alongside Apathy, Josiah “Slacked” Berry, Casey “Pandur” Romano, and most recent addition Nicholas “Proto” Maldonado have all shown glimpses of their true capabilities, but have been unable to reach the levels of Apathy and Octane.
Octane: The Hard Carry
Click to enlargeDespite the uncontrollable issues Seattle has encountered at various points during the regular season, Octane has been the shining light on what has been a hugely disappointing season for a team that was expected to achieve so much more. Widely considered as one of the very best assault rifle players competing at the highest level, Octane has excelled when it comes to his respective role in many matches throughout the year. However, a lack of support from his comrades has often seen the Surge fall short.
Some may say that a player of Octane’s talent could find more regular doses of success if he were a member of another team and that Pandur has frequently hindered him, Slacked, Proto, Apathy, and to an extent, three-time world champion Damon “Karma” Barlow. The varying pace of Modern Warfare often sees assault rifle players getting the better of SMG players even in close-quarters situations. Having such inconsistencies in the game doesn’t do any favours for Slacked, Proto, and Apathy who are trying everything to provide some much-needed support for Octane.
Unlocking The Door
At the beginning of the season, Seattle looked like a team that could contend with the likes of Chicago, Atlanta, and the Dallas Empire. Despite the immense wealth of experience and talent from some of the best North American talent, the Surge has been stuck behind a locked door when it comes to unleashing the full potential of the roster. Regardless of the replays, the technical issues, and the issues which have plagued the team, it’s about time that the Seattle Surge is due some good karma when it comes to a solid performance at the season-ending playoffs.
With a few weeks of practice to attempt to find some form ahead of a tournament with over four million dollars up for grabs, Seattle could well be one of several dark horses as the team attempts to make an unprecedented run from the first round of the loser’s bracket. If the Surge can defeat the Paris Legion, securing $100,000 could lighten the blow of what has been a poor season. If the team lose to the Legion, Seattle’s season ends with yet another disappointment.
Although there is a lot of negativity surrounding Seattle and its performance, there is one silver lining when it comes to starting Champs in the loser’s bracket – there is absolutely no room for error.
If the Surge is to run the gauntlet, the pressure is on for Octane to maintain the high levels of performance displayed in the regular season, and for Apathy to find his trademark Champs form for him to unlock the high levels of potential that this composition of youth and experience possesses.
Images via Call of Duty League and Kyle Miller