Stephen A. Smith weighs in on the best 1v1 map in Call of Duty history debate

Stephen A. Smith has cast his vote on the best 1v1 map in Call of Duty history between Rust and Nuketown.

14th Mar 2024 12:19

Images via Activision | ESPN

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Treyarch or Infinity Ward? Assault Rifle or SMG? These questions define any Call of Duty player's personality, and you can tell everything you need to know about them from the respective answers.

But the most definitive question that can ever be asked is "Nuketown or Rust?"

The two iconic 1v1 skirmish maps are up there in CoD royalty, and now one of the most unexpected celebrities has weighed in with their opinion, as popular talk show host Stephen A. Smith has cast his vote.

Stephen A. Smith fights for team Rust in Call of Duty

In a segment on his ESPN talk show, Smith takes questions from the public and has previously been quizzed on his starter Pokemon choices, Toy Story battle royale winners, and which category he would choose if he was placed in Avatar: The Last Airbender.

But in his most recent broadcast, Smith took to answering the golden Call of Duty question, as prosed by 100 Thieves, and his answer might have just tipped the scales as to which 1v1 map is the best of all time.

"It’s Call of Duty, y’all didn’t think I knew that did y’all? I know this…" Smith started, surprising viewers with his CoD knowledge.

"I’m going to tell you this, Rust. That's what I like."

Stephen A. Smith settles Rust versus Nuketown debate

Black Ops moguls will always vouch for Nuketown as the real 1v1 showdown map, both taking a house each and getting those quickscopes in through the windows, before moving to the bus and firetruck centrepieces and perpendicular vehicle head glitches.

But Smith slammed the map, saying "This looks like kids going to a school house."

Instead, the hardcore feel of Rust is unrivalled, in his mind.

He added, "It looks like a town that’s hardcore, that’s ready to handle business, ready to handle things, used to adversity and adverse circumstances, overcoming the odds."

Whether Smith would win a 1v1 is another matter. Call of Duty League professional Sam "Octane" Larew has pitted such a challenge, tweeting the pundit "On god I’d 15-0 you in 30 seconds".

Doubtlessly though, the ESPN presenter will want to stick to hosting American sports' biggest personalities on his couch rather than taking on the human turret. 

But it does seem that the debate is settled, especially with Call of Duty cementing his vote by adding, "Stephen knows COD".

Jack Marsh

About The Author

Jack Marsh

Jack is an Esports Journalist at GGRecon. Graduating from the University of Chester, with a BA Honours degree in Journalism, Jack is an avid esports enthusiast and specialises in Rocket League, Call of Duty, VALORANT, and trending gaming news.

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