Clayster Set For World Championship Return As CDL Leak Subliners Line-Up

Just as the Call of Duty League reaches its scintillating climax, the major question mark that looms is: will we see the three-time world champion, James "Clayster" Eubanks?

After an extremely turbulent four stages of action in the CDL 2021 season, in which Clayster's New York Subliners have ridden more hurdles than anyone else, the bumps in the road had taken their toll on the veteran.

From an impromptu forced retirement to Thomas "ZooMaa" Paparatto prior to the season, to multiple issues with Visa's, and being hindered to playing online for the majority of the year, Clayster made the decision to step down from the starting roster. Even though the Subliners had enjoyed recent success, the established pro was open about the effects of the season on his mental health and allowed Subliners to compete in the Stage V Major without him.

With remote silence on his return to action, many feared the reigning champion wouldn't be on display at Champs, the very stage where he normally shines the brightest.

However, the Call of Duty League themselves may have just leaked his return.

CDL Instagram Channel Leak Clayster's Possible Return To New York Subliners

Ahead of the championship weekend on August 19 - 22, the CDL posted an updated graphic to their Instagram page, featuring the Champs logo, and Clayster lined up alongside his trusted trio of Obaid "Asim" Asim, Paco "HyDra" Rusiewiez, and Makenzie "Mack" Kelley. Interestingly, the roster omits stand-in Conor "Diamondcon" Johst, despite plenty of images being available of the rookie.

The league also posted the same graphic tailored towards Minnesota Rokkr (with Mike "MajorManiak" Szymaniak), and Dallas Empire (with Reece "Vivid" Drost), both of whom had made changes in recent stages.

Is Clayster Returning For Champs?

With the CDL's post causing great confusion, the reputable page 'CDL Intel' added fuel to the fire.

"I’ve heard Clay was scrimming with Subliners last week, but if they choose to bring him back for Champs I’m not 100% sure," wrote CDL Intel.

Clay also returned to gaming after a three-week hiatus, on August 9, choosing to stream the rising title Splitagte, alongside CDL personality and Toronto Ultra substitute Anthony "Methodz" Zinni.

As to whether Clayster is returning, nothing has yet been confirmed. 

But one thing is for certain, Champs won't be the same without him.