OpTic Texas had a very good run in qualifiers, but it ended this weekend. Riyadh Falcons beat OpTic 3-1 in the Major II qualifiers, stopping a 9-0 streak that had been building up. The match was not especially close and the Falcons looked sharp.
OpTic did bounce back in another qualifier match, taking down Toronto KOI 3-0 the same night, so their path to the Major is still strong. That Falcons loss, however, will be the headline as teams head to the United Kingdom.
OpTic Texas Locked In as Top Seed for the UK Major
Since losing at the Dallas Major on February 1, OpTic Texas has been trying to regroup. That Dallas match ended with Paris Gentle Mates beating OpTic and denying them a home Major trophy. Major II is a clear chance for OpTic to push back.
The UK stop is happening at DreamHack in Birmingham, and it is the first time in almost six years that the Call of Duty League will appear in the region. Fans are eager to see the event, and the DreamHack setting gives them extra things to do around the tournament.
Last Season and Expectations
OpTic Texas arrives in Birmingham with strong recent results. Last year the team won the Call of Duty League Championship near Toronto and then followed that with a victory at the Esports World Cup. Outside of the early-season loss, their past season was one of the stronger performances in Call of Duty esports.
Who Could Stand in OpTic’s Way
The bracket in Birmingham will not be easy. OpTic opens against either Toronto KOI or Vancouver Surge. If they win, their next opponent will be either G2 Minnesota or Riyadh Falcons. Both of those teams are capable of sending OpTic into the loser bracket.
- Round one: KOI or Vancouver Surge
- Possible round two: G2 Minnesota or Riyadh Falcons
OpTic still holds the top seed and remains a favorite, but the Falcons proved they can upset that picture. Expect a competitive Major in Birmingham.
What do you think will happen at Major II? Drop your predictions and reactions in the comments or community spaces where you follow the CDL.
