All CDL Off-Season transfers and roster changes
Rostermania 2020 has commenced. The Call of Duty League has made the controversial decision to revert COD esports to four versus four, rather than having teams of five. Whilst this may be for the best in terms of gameplay and competitiveness, some teams more than others have felt the full effects of the change, now having to drop at least one player from their rosters, despite them only being formed one year ago as the CDL was formed and franchised teams were built.
A plethora of roster changes was to be inevitable, as some teams will adopt minor changes whilst some less successful teams will strip their rosters to the bones and build from the ground up. Instead of prowling Twitter for each and every roster move, we've got you covered, with a complete timeline of every CDL off-Season transfer and roster change.
Click to enlargeLondon Royal Ravens Sign Afro
January 24 - 00:00 GMT
Ahead of the Kickoff Classic opening showdown, London Royal Ravens has signed Marcus "Afro" Reid, a rising English talent previously of Challengers sides Team WaR and House Tarth.
Afro comes in as the Ravens' substitute, although they may look to strengthen even further with Afro and fellow Brit Trei "Zer0" Morris stuck in the UK with the league poised.
Click to enlargeAsim Joins New York Subliners
January 22 2021 - 17:00 BST
Following the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the New York Subliners' original roster, the side spearheaded by reigning world champion James "Clayster" Eubanks has enrolled the help of former Minnesota ROKKR SMG slayer Obaid "Asim" Asim.
The Subliners were met with the unfortunate retirement of Thomas "ZooMaa" Paparatto, and have been struggling to get their young French gunner Paco "HyDra" Rusiewiez over into the country amid complications with his Visa. Asim comes in to patch up some holes as a steady candidate in a roster filled with question marks. Could he be the answer?
Click to enlargeParis Legion announce 2021 roster
December 31 - 4:06 GMT
The Paris Legion have announced their roster for the 2021 season, picking up Matthew "Skrapz" Marhsall, Nicholas "Classic" DiCostanzo, Ulysses "AquA" Silva, and rookie Luis "Fire" Rivera. Much like their Overwatch League franchise the Paris Eternal owned by c0ntact Gaming and owner Drew McCourt, the team appears to have gone the budget route for the next season, possibly as a response to the pandemic related uncertainty around offline events. Notably, Skrapz brother Bradley "wuskin" Marshall will not be playing with him during the 2021 season. Moreover, the team picked up Dylan ‘Theory’ McGee as their head coach.
Click to enlargeLA THIEVES SIGN TEMP
December 11 - 18:35 GMT
The worst kept secret in Call of Duty history. LA Thieves has now revealed their fourth man for the 2021 season, with Donova "Temp" Laroda joining the team. The news comes just days after Jordan "JKap" Kaplan was announced as head coach and Ian "Enable" Wyatt was revealed to be joining the organisation as a content creator.
Click to enlargeLONDON ROYAL RAVENS RESIGN DYLAN AND ZERO AND ADD ALEXX TO THEIR RANKS
October 29 - 16:00 GMT
The London Royal Ravens have resigned two of their former roster in Thomas "Dylan" Henderson and Trei "Zer0" Morris, and have added another Brit to their ranks with Alex "Alexx" Carpenter joining after being released by the Minnesota Rokkr at the end of the season. They will join the construction man in Sean "Seany" O'Connor who has rebuilt the Ravens roster from the ground up. The fourth-placed 2020 side have taken their roster in a new direction after releasing the Marshall Twins, who have yet to sign with a new team. London is staying true to its roots though, with another all-British roster.
Click to enlargeLOS ANGELES GUERRILLAS ANNOUNCE FIRST AND ACADEMY TEAM
OCTOBER 12 - 21:44 BST
Los Angeles Guerrillas have announced both of their first and academy rosters, with their first team boasting three former world champions and one of the standout rookies from last season.
LAG's own Reece "Vivid" Drost has been joined by former Minnesota Rokkr and World War Two world champion duo Justin "SiLLY" Fargo-Palmer and Adam "Assault" Garcia. Finishing off the roster is submachine gun veteran Bryan "Apathy" Zhelyazkov, who joins after being let go from Seattle Surge. Together, the roster and organisation will all unite to look for redemption on a dismal first season collectively.
Making up the academy roster is fan favourite Martin "Chino" Chino, alongside the Call of Duty newcomer who caught all of the headlines, Billy "MentaL" Putnam, making the switch from Gears of War. They join SiLLY and Assault's Rokkr teammate Kaden "Exceed" Stockdale, and another rookie Dylan "Nero" Kock, who looks to make the step up after an impressive Challengers season for Team WaR. The academy team is still pending league approval.
New York Subliners Sign HyDra
October 9 - 17:00 BST
Rookie time! The NYSL have signed French youngster Paco "HyDra" Rusiewiez to their roster. James "Clayster" Eubanks seems to be a fan too, commenting the following on Twitter regarding the signing of HyDra: "I’ve long been a fan of giving up and coming talent a shot to make it in the big leagues. Definitely, some things were going to have to work on, but I’m confident @HyDrAnml is gonna be a BEAST. Hope the scene starts opening more doors more often." The young Frenchman is coming over from European team TrainHard Esport.
Seattle Surge Sign Prestinni, Gunless, and Loony
September 23 - 21:00 BST
Sam has been saved. Seattle Surge has announced the three players to line up in 2021 alongside the human turret that is Sam "Octane" Larew. Former Florida Mutineers and Chicago Huntsmen flex Preston "Prestinni" Sanderson, has signed for his third team in twelve months, signing for the Surge. Alongside him, fellow Huntsmen outlaw, Pierce "Gunless" Hillman joins as their main sub. The fourth member consists of Daniel "Loony" Loza, the only player ever to pull off a search and destroy one versus five in a competitive game. He makes the move from the Toronto Ultra, offering a lot of leadership qualities
CLAYSTER JOINS NEW YORK SUBLINERS
SEPTEMBER 18 - 16:30 BST
Possibly the worst kept secret of the year. James "Clayster" Eubank has joined the New York Subliners. Announced on Twitter, the Subliners confirmed that he will be joining this side, finally reuniting with his former teammate Thomas "ZooMaa" Paparatto. Makenzie "Mack" Kelley remains their third member for the season, whilst their fourth member has yet to be decided. Rumoured to be interested in a number of players such as Florida Mutineers' Maurice "Fero" Henriquez, once-great Johnathon "John" Perez, and top-tier amateur Paco "HyDra" Rusiewiez, the Subliners are now one step further to their roster. With three-time champion Clayster on the books, this squad could go all the way in 2021.
Arcitys Joins Atlanta FaZe
September 15 - 20:15 BST
After leaving Chicago Huntsmen to become a "main AR" Alex "Arcitys" Sanderson has joined Atlanta FaZe. He joins Chris "Simp" Lehr, McArthur "Cellium" Jovel, and Tyler "aBeZy" Pharris as the 2021 roster for FaZe. The young guns now have one of the most dangerous-looking rosters of the year, as they look to go one better than the runners-up and bronze medals they got this season.
Priestahh, MajorManiak, Attach, and Accuracy Join Minnesota Rokkr
September 15 - 19:25 BST
Wow. In a swift chain of events, Preston "Priestahh" Griener and Michael "MajorManiak" Szymaniak leave Atlanta FaZe to join Minnesota ROKKR alongside former New York Subliners duo Dillon "Attach" Price and Lamar "Accuracy" Abedi. The ROKKR who had recently dropped their whole roster have now formed a team of outlaws from a blend of two top-six CDL 2020 sides, all of whom will have a point to prove in the coming season. Welcome to the big leagues ROKKR, as they announce the first newly formed roster.
Click to enlargeDASHY JOINS CHICAGO HUNTSMEN
September 14 - 20:00 BST
The first signing of the season is complete, with Brandon "Dashy" Otell signing for the Huntsmen. Coming in to replace the Sanderson twins, Arcitys and Prestinni, Dashy is now reunited with both Hecz and Scump, who will have been the main driving force in pushing this signing. After a less than successful final season at OpTic Gaming, Dashy himself will be looking to reinvent himself and find his previous form. Four vs Four is Dashy's playground, and his sniper will be his new swing.
OpTic Gaming Confirm Slasher, Kenny, and Drazah
September 10 - 00:59 BST
Main slayer Austin "Slasher" Liddicoat has resigned with OpTic Gaming Los Angeles, alongside fan favourite Kenny "Kuavo" Williams and Zack "Drazah" Jordan who comes in for his first full season in the professional game.
Question marks have now arisen regarding the future of iceman Thomas "TJHaly" Haly, who was expected to resign. The announcement omitting TJ doesn't rule out his signing coming at a later date, although it's curious as to why they weren't all revealed at the same time. Atlanta FaZe's Preston "Priestahh" Greiner has been a name that continues to pop up when discussing OpTic, who could possible come in as one of their stronger submachine gun players should TJ go elsewhere.
London Royal Ravens Confirm Seany Stays
September 9 - 10:10 BST
After dropping their roster just days ago, Sean "Seany" O'Connor was left as the last man standing. The construction man himself will now look to build a team from the ground up. Last seasons teammate Thomas "Dylan" Henderson is also set to resign under a different contract after being let go. The same had been hoped for the Marshall brothers Matthew "Skrapz" and Bradley "wuskin", although, after seemingly unjustified rumours surrounding their work ethic surfaced, it doesn't look promising for the best sniper in the league and his submachine gun duo.
Click to enlargeToronto Ultra Confirm Roster
September 9 - 19:08 BST
After the Black Ops Cold War trailer dropped, this swept under the radar. However, Toronto Ultra co-owner, Adam Adamou, confirmed that their roster will consist of the four remaining CDL 2020 players, Ben "Bance" Bance, Cameron "Cammy" McKilligan, Tobias "CleanX" Juul Jønsson, and Anthony "Methodz" Zinni.
Frosty and Maux Leave Florida Mutineers
September 9 - 15:53
After making his major breakthrough since switching to Call of Duty from Halo (where he was a two-time world champion), Bradley "Frosty" Bergstrom announced that he had become a free agent for the upcoming season. With three chips in his belt from the time at the mutineers, teams will be wanting to secure this mans signature.
Chance "Maux" Moncivaez also left after spending most of the season on the bench, looking to revisit his Black Ops 4 form in the upcoming season.
This leaves the Florida Mutineers with Cesar "Skyz" Bueno, Colt "Havoc" McLendon, Joseph "Owakening" Conley, and Maurice "Fero" Henriquez.
Click to enlargeNew York Subliners Release Accuracy, Censor, Happy, and Temp
September 8 - 23:59 BST
As the clock strikes midnight, the New York Subliners has let go of four of the CDL 2020 roster. Doug "Censor" Martin, Lamar "Accuracy" Abedi, Nick "Happy" Suda, and Donovan "Temp" Laroda all left the big apple. Temp reported on his stream that he had received an offer from a team who "finished last" meaning his next team could be alongside Sam "Octane" Larew or become a part of a newly formed squad at Los Angeles Guerrillas. As for Censor, the fierce competitor may struggle to find a team, after spending most of the Modern Warfare season on the bench, and even struggled to find form in the Challengers scene.
The roster now consists of Thomas "ZooMaa" Paparatto, Dillon "Attach" Price, and Makenzie "Mack" Kelley. Reigning world champion James "Clayster" Eubanks is poised to join the roster, reuniting with the old FaZe Clan trio of himself, ZooMaa and Attach, although there remain question marks over the future of the latter.
Arcitys and Prestinni Leave Chicago Huntsmen
September 8 - 21:00 BST
Not a good day for twins. Just a matter of minutes after London Royal Ravens confirmed that Bradley "wuskin" Marshall and Matthew "Skrapz" Marshall has been released from their organisation, Chicago Huntsmen confirmed the departure of their deadly duo Alec "Arcitys" Sanderson and Preston "Prestinni" Sanderson. Arcitys since stated that "Thank you to all the fans, team and owners appreciate all of them for the opportunity and for respecting the decision of me wanting to switch to a main AR for 4v4. I've been a professional for 4 years and haven't had a full year running main", before thanking his former teammates. It has been widely claimed that he will be joining Atlanta FaZe to become the main assault rifle slayer there. As for his brother, Prestinni could be off to Seattle Surge to help Sam "Octane" Larew in his newly built roster.
This leaves Seth "Scump" Abner, Matthew "FormaL" Piper, and Dylan "Envoy" Envoy as the three remaining starters, as now-free-agent Dashy looks set to complete the roster, teaming up with T2P again. Search and Destroy expert, John "x2Pac ThuGLorD" Hartley also left the organisation.
Click to enlargeLondon Royal Ravens Release Everyone Except Seany
September 8 - 20:53 BST
Another loan wolf. Sean "Seany" O'Connor remains the only man at London Royal Ravens, as another squad is ripped apart. Thomas "Dylan" Henderson, Dylan "MadCat" Daly, Byron "Nastie" Plumridge, Rhys "Rated" Price, Matthew "Skrapz" Marshall, and Trei "Zer0" Morris were all registered as free agents, with their destinations all unknown. Speculation has arisen that Dylan why be returning under a new contract to pair with Seany again, with ex-Minnesota Rokkr player Alex "Alexx" Carpenter coming in as a third.
OpTic Gaming Finalise Roster, Dropping Four Players
September 8 - 20:30 BST
OpTic Gaming Los Angeles become the second team to all-but finalise their CDL 2021 Roster. By dropping Brandon "Dashy" Otell, Darien "Hollow" Chverchko, Martin "Chino" Chino, and Jevon "Goonjar" Gooljar-Lim, their roster looks set to consist of Austin "Slasher" Liddicoat, Thomas "TjHaly" Haly, Zack "Drazah" Jordan, and Kenny "Kuavo" Williams. Dashy has long been linked to joining Chicago Huntsmen to team with T2P and Envoy. The most controversial decision is the decision to keep Drazah over Hollow, who excelled alongside Slasher when he joined the roster mid-season. Atlanta FaZe's Preston "Priestahh" Greiner has also been rumoured to be moving to the new-look green wall, maybe coming in for Drazah at a later date.
Click to enlargeParis Legion Drop Their Whole Roster
September 8 - 18:54 BST
Another one bites the dust. Paris Legion drop their whole roster for the CDL 2021 Season. Denholm "Denz" Taylor, Matthew "KISMET" Tinsley, Luke "Louqa" Rigas, Conrad "Shockz" Rymarek, Zach "Zed" Denyer, Paul "Breszy" Breszynski, and Timothy "Phantomz" Landis all become free agents. Paris' next squad has yet to be announced, although many fans have called for Paris to stick to their French roots, starting with amateur Paco "HyDra" Rusiewiez. As for the roster, players such as KISMET and Denz shouldn't struggle to find a new home, although the slots will undoubtedly be filling up.
Click to enlargeMinnesota Rokkr Release Roster
September 7 - 21:00 BST
Alongside releasing GodRx yesterday, the Minnesota Rokkr have now let go of their full roster. Alex "Alexx" Carpenter, Obaid "Asim" Asim, Adam "Assault" Garcia, Kaden "Exceed" Stockdale, and Justin "SiLLY" Fargo-Palmer have all become free agents, although the may have already had their next chapter written out for them. Both Assault and Silly are former World Champions and will likely find a team with ease, whilst Exceed only broke into the starting roster for the World Championships and failed to capitalise on his chance to show what he's made of. They become the third team to officially release the majority of their roster after Seattle Surge (with the exception of Sam "Octane" Larew and Los Angeles Guerrillas both looked to start fresh in the 2021 season.
Click to enlargeGunless Leaves Chicago Huntsmen
September 7 - 07:18 BST
Peirce "Gunless" Hillman announces that he is a free agent, leaving Chicago Huntsmen. The former eUnited, FaZe Clan and Luminosity submachine gunslinger was moved to substitute back in May, with the Huntsmen acquiring Prestinni shortly after to keep up to date with the assault rifle dominated meta. Many questioned why Gunless hadn't been picked up by a team during the climax of the season as the meta began to favour submachine gun players and he boasted 11 major championships. Gunless has yet to be linked with another team, although rumours were rife during the season that he could have fit in at Florida Mutineers or Minnesota Rokkr.
GodRx becomes a Free Agent
September 7 - 05:50 BST
Adam "GodRx" Brown announced via Twitter that he was a free agent, not renewing his contract at Minnesota Rokkr. Beginning the CDL 2020 season in remarkable fashion, GodRx was often in the debate for the top five players in the league, however, with the switch online he was branded as 'too slow' by his ROKKR coaches, as he predominantly used a sniper or assault rifle. If the pace was a problem, then four versus four will be a dream come true for GodRx, should a team pick him up, as the gameplay will become more calculated and tactical. The sniper in his hands will prove much more damaging.
Los Angeles Guerrillas Release Aqua, Blazt, Decemate, Lacefield, Saints, and Spart
September 7 - Between 04:19 and 05:05 BST
Four separate tweets and four LA Guerillas heading separate ways. The bottom side in the CDL 2020 was destined for a shakeup. Alike Seattle Surge they have kept just one player in Reece "Vivid" Drost, dropping Ulysses "Aqua" Silva, Rasim "Blazt" Ogresevic, Jacob "Decemate" Cato, Andres "Lacefield" Lacefield, Renato "Saints" Forza, and Kris "Spart" Cervantez. Two-times world champion Patrick "Aches" Price left earlier in the year, adding to the Guerrillas woes. Should they want to get back on top in Los Angeles and unseat OpTic Gaming, Vivid will have to work well with the managers Ricky "Ricky" Stacy and Embry "Bevils" Bevils who have pledged they will stay on board to build their new-look team.
Click to enlargeSeattle Surge Release Everyone Except Octane
September 5 - 00:14 BST
Seattle Surge finally helps Sam. Arguably one of the leagues finest assault rifle mains, Sam "Octane" Larew becomes the last man standing at the Surge, as they purge the roster that earnt them a last-place finish at the World Championships. Most surprisingly, two-time world champion Bryan "Apathy" Zhelyazkov is amongst those dropped, despite being a quarter of the team that won the last ever four versus four championship. The full list of departees consists of Apathy, Ian "Enable" Wyatt, Casey "Pandur" Romano, Nicholas "Proto" Maldonado, and Josiah "Slacked" Berry. They become the first team to officially release more than two players in the CDL off-season transfer rostermania.
Click to enlargeTemp Tells His Stream That He's Not a Part of New York Subliners
September 4 - 23:10 BST
In a rant on his stream, Donovan "Temp" Laroda admitted he is not on the New York Subliners roster for the CDL 2021 season. He becomes the first player to leave NYSL who have been linked to reuniting James "Clayster" Eubanks and Thomas "ZooMaa" Paparatto. Unsurprisingly, the 2019 CWL All-Star has received an offer from an unnamed team, according to himself, after saying he actually reached out to teams, including a team that finished in 'last place', hinting at either Los Angeles Guerrillas or Seattle Surge being his next home.
Wuskin officially confirms London Royal Ravens Exit
September 4 - 22:06 BST
After prematurely telling his stream that both he and Matthew "Skrapz" Marshall are free agents as of September 13, Bradley "wuskin" Marshall confirmed his full departure from London Royal Ravens on Twitter. He joins Jordan "Jurd" Crowley as the only two players to confirm their departure, although the organisation has been heavily rumoured too not have renewed anybody's contract.
Toronto Ultra Re-sign Cammy and CleanX and Drop Six Players
September 4 - 19:43 BST
Mixed news came out of Toronto, as they have re-signed two of the existing Ultra side, dropped six, and two have yet to have been confirmed. Having enough players for two CDL 2020 teams, the Ultra has released all of their substitutes, and starter Nicholas "Classic" DiCostanzo. The subs who have left are Carson "Brack" Newberry, Daniel "Loony" Loza, Alejandro "Lucky" Lopez, Mehran "Mayhem" Anjomshoa, and Adrian "MettalZ" Serrano.
Officially the first players to re-sign for any team for the 2021 season, Cameron "Cammy" McKilligan and Tobias "CleanX" Juul Jønsson will lead the way for Toronto Ultra. Ben "Bance" Bance and Anthony "Methodz" Zinni status' remain unknown.
Click to enlargeJKap Retires
September 2 - 21:34 BST
A sight for sore eyes. Amongst all of the uncertainty and drama, the beloved Joran "JKap" Kaplan drove a dagger through the heart of thousands, announcing his retirement from Call of Duty esports. Not necessarily a CDL roster change as such, but he did announce that he has officially left the OpTic Gaming roster, where he first made his breakthrough. A perfectly circular career, spanning ten long years.
JKap leaves the scene as a two-time world champion, fourteen LAN championships, and one of the most adored players in the scene. Happy retirement, JKap.
Click to enlargeJurd Leaves London Royal Ravens Amongst Rumours they've Released The Whole Roster
September 1 - 21:54 BST
London Royal Ravens substitute Jordan "Jurd" Crowley has become the second casualty of the CDL off-season transfers, becoming a free-agent for the Black Ops Cold War era. Brothers Matthew "Skrapz" Marshall and Bradley "wuskin" Marshall have also stated on wuskin's stream that the whole roster "won't be here next year", hinting that the fourth-best team of the 2021 season have been ripped apart with the recent changes. Nothing official has been announced for any further departures to add to Jurd.
Clayster Parts With Dallas Empire
September 1 - 18:37 BST
You. Heard. Correctly.
Just days after winning the Call of Duty League 2020 World Championships, Dallas Empire makes the first CDL Roster Change, with veteran James "Clayster" Eubank being the player to part from the best roster in the game. After transcending into the elite 'three rings club' and becoming the second most decorated console esports athlete ever, behind teammate Ian "Crimsix" Porter, Clayster will now have to search for a new home, although there will be a huge number of teams looking to secure one of the best players in the game.
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