Category Archives: eSport

eSport, Events, Gaming, News

OpTic Texas Makes History with Back-to-Back Call of Duty League Championships

In a weekend defined by jaw-dropping turns and unrelenting intensity, OpTic Texas etched its name into Call of Duty lore by claiming its second consecutive CDL Championship in Kitchener, Canada. Facing a red-hot Vancouver Surge squad, the Green Wall emerged 5–3 victors in the best-of-nine Grand Final, proving once and for all that their 2024 triumph was no fluke.

No team had ever defended a world title in Call of Duty esports—until now. OpTic Texas not only became the first organization to secure back-to-back world championships, it also sits alone atop the podium with three total world crowns in its history. In doing so, they surpass even the storied runs of early OpTic rosters and cement themselves as the CDL’s first true dynasty.

Sweeping Through the Winners Bracket

From the opening whistle, OpTic looked untouchable. They refused to drop a single map on their winners-bracket journey, blitzing through Atlanta FaZe, Toronto Ultra and Boston Breach with surgical precision. Shotzzy and Huke’s submachine-gun duos set the pace early, turning Hardpoints into highlight reels and leaving opponents scrambling for answers.

Though billed as underdogs, Vancouver Surge delivered one of the most remarkable comeback stories in CDL history. After an opening upset loss to the Miami Heretics, they tore through the elimination bracket—knocking out the top-seeded LA Thieves, then dispatching Ultra, Miami again, and finally Boston—to earn a shot at redemption on the sport’s grandest stage.

Grand Final Showdown: Momentum Swings

The final series was an emotional roller coaster. Surge struck first, sweeping OpTic in a Search round and handing them their first map loss of the weekend. But OpTic’s dominance in respawn modes—anchored by Shotzzy’s map control and Dashy’s top-tier AR play—allowed them to swing the series back. After seizing match point with a crafty Search win on Hacienda, the Green Wall closed it out in a nerve-shredding Rewind Hardpoint, 250–215, to seal the 5–3 victory.

Records, MVPs and Milestones

  • Mercules, in his debut Champs appearance, shattered Matthew “FormaL” Piper’s 2017 K/D record, posting the highest kill-death ratio ever at Call of Duty Champs.
  • Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro, at just 23, became the youngest three-time Call of Duty world champion in history.
  • Coach Damon “Karma” Barlow collected his fifth ring—three as a player and two as a mastermind—underscoring his enduring impact on the game’s most celebrated teams.

With the mantle of back-to-back champions firmly in hand, OpTic Texas must now fend off the league’s hungry challengers: Can Atlanta FaZe recalibrate after a stinging defeat? Will LA Thieves rebound? And can Vancouver Surge channel this finals appearance into a sustained top-tier performance?

Meanwhile, Call of Duty’s narrative has a new chapter: the rise of a true dynasty where consistency and clutch execution reign supreme. For the fans, the question is no longer “Can they do it?” but “How long can this era last?”

What do you think this victory means for the future of the CDL—and which next-gen rival has the best shot at toppling the Green Wall? Let me know your thoughts below!

eSport, Events, Games, Gaming, News

CEO 2025 defined the first half of 2025 for the FGC world

CEO 2025 returned to Orlando, Florida (hosted at the Rosen Shingle Creek) from June 13–15, marking its 15th annual iteration. The event filled more than 200,000 square feet with world-class competition, drawing over 4,000 competitors across 19 official games and a host of side tournaments. Its lineup not only featured the established circuit titles but also shined a spotlight on community-run brackets and indie-friendly events. With a multi-channel streaming setup (11 Twitch channels streamed the games live), the organizers ensured that fans around the world had uninterrupted access to every match and schedule update.

Detailed Tournament Results and Announcements

Super Smash Bros. Melee

One of the most talked-about moments was the Super Smash Bros. Melee bracket, headlined by none other than Hungrybox. Despite an early hiccup that forced him to switch controllers mid-game, Hungrybox established a remarkable 7–1 record to secure the championship. His journey was filled with dramatic highs—intense rallies against top pros like Wizzrobe—and emotional expressions of triumph reminiscent of his Evo victories. His win not only added another prestigious title to his resume (following a recent Genesis X2 victory) but also resonated deeply with fans, making for one of the most memorable moments of the weekend.

Results

  1. Onin (Steve)
  2. MU|ApolloKage (Snake)
  3. SR|Kola (Roy, Cloud)
  4. Ploopy (Mr. Game & Watch)
  5. HyperKirby (Roy)

Street Fighter 6

As an official Capcom Pro Tour event, Street Fighter 6 saw a massive turnout with nearly 840 entrants. The tournament not only served as a qualifier for the Capcom Cup but also featured the debut of the new game patch (including the long-awaited introduction of Elena and a special Switch 2 launch). Top-tier competitors clashed in high-stakes matches, with the bracket reflecting both the evolving metagame and fresh strategic approaches from players adapting to the update. Each win in the tournament pushed competitors closer to earning an invite to the Esports World Cup, making every match a critical battle.

Results

  1. DRX|Leshar (Mai, Terry, Ed)
  2. Falcons|NL (Akuma)
  3. FLY|Punk (Cammy, Ryu)
  4. KSG|Zhen (M. Bison, Dee Jay)
  5. FAV|Ryukichi (Ken)

Tekken 8

Tekken 8’s tournament was billed as a Master Tier event on the Tekken World Tour, drawing approximately 650 players who fought for one of four qualification spots. The matches were fierce and strategically complex, with players like Falcons|Atif and DNF|Ulsan delivering standout performances. The tournament results not only determined the advancement of the top eight but also signaled important shifts in player lineups and game strategies heading into the global finals.

Results

  1. Falcons|Atif (Anna, Dragunov)
  2. DNF|Ulsan (Lars, Dragunov, Reina)
  3. TM|Arslan Ash (Nina, Zafina, Anna)
  4. VIT|JeonDDing (Eddy)
  5. DNF|Meo-IL (JACK-8, Victor)

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

In the Fatal Fury segment, competitors vied in what was also a qualifying event for the SNK World Championship. The bracket—featuring over 460 skilled players—boasted a dramatic series of matches where the “Lone Wolves” eventually emerged victorious in an intense night of competition. The title’s evolution, complete with significant meta changes, demanded that players adapt quickly, and those who could, claimed their valuable spots for the next level of international play.

Results

  1. KSG|Xiaohai (Billy, Hotaru)
  2. Saishunkan|Nemo (Billy)
  3. IGZIST|KojiKOG (Billy)
  4. Falcons|E.T. (Hokutomaru)
  5. Reject|Laggia (Hotaru)

Mortal Kombat 1

At Mortal Kombat 1, recognized as a Kombatant Tier event on the Mortal Kombat Pro Kompetition circuit, players competed for two crucial qualification chances. With high-energy battles punctuating the tournament, every round was a test of both strategy and raw fighting talent. The tournament further cemented CEO 2025’s role as a gateway to the global stage for serious competitors in one of the most iconic fighting game franchises.

Results

  1. STG|Onlinecale213 (Kung Lao, Homelander, T-1000)
  2. 2G|SnakeDoe (Havik)
  3. PAR|Rewind (Reiko, Ermac)
  4. Grr (Geras)
  5. Rez|Dyloch (General Shao)

Additional Titles and Community Engagement

Beyond the marquee qualifiers, CEO 2025 also hosted tournaments for titles such as Guilty Gear Strive, Brawlhalla, and several legacy games like Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. The Brawlhalla Mid-Season Championship, in particular, introduced innovative gameplay elements (like the new Chakram weapon), which not only refreshed the competitive dynamics but also stirred excitement among returning fans.

On the side, community-run brackets spanned titles including Killer Instinct, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, and Vampire Savior—further underlining CEO 2025’s commitment to embracing the diversity of the fighting game community. In addition, the Jebailey World 24-hour arcade experience kept the event buzzing with indie games and tabletop activities, ensuring that every moment was filled with entertainment

Guilty Gear Strive — Results

  1. Kshuewhatdamoo (Johnny)
  2. TSM|Leffen (Happy Chaos)
  3. FLY|NitroNY (Leo, Giovanna, Jack-O)
  4. PAR|Jack (Happy Chaos)
  5. TNS|MFCR (Leo)

Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising — Results

  1. PAR|Zane (Grimnir)
  2. ONi|BlueSkyGuyBSG (Vaseraga)
  3. PAR|BEPaw (Ferry, Metera)
  4. GGC|Real Ice (Zeta)
  5. CHJ|CharCharRealSmooth (Vira)

Super Smash Bros. Melee — Results

  1. Liquid|Hungrybox (Jigglypuff)
  2. Envy|Wizzrobe (Captain Falcon)
  3. Spiral|MOF (Ice Climbers)
  4. DTL|Wevans (Samus)
  5. JChu (Pikachu)

Brawlhalla — Results

  1. Iores (Dusk)
  2. LGN|BalloonBoy (Vivi)
  3. SiB|Wess (Tezca, Red Raptor)
  4. Acno? (Diana, Ragnir)
  5. Kingdom|Kyna (Teros)

Under Night In-Birth 2 [Sys:celes] — Results

  1. BBB|Defiant (Hyde, Akatsuki, Londrekia)
  2. PAR|BigBlack (Byakuya)
  3. PCF|!ssei (Hyde)
  4. LAGr|Argen (Waldstein)
  5. Malarky (Nanase, Wagner)

Rivals of Aether 2 — Results

  1. SC|Sophilo (Zetterburn)
  2. CakeAssault (Forsburn, Fleet)
  3. Ant (Ranno)
  4. LG|Marlon (Orcane)
  5. Elkiies (Maypul)

Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike — Results

  1. TMG|MOV (Chun-Li)
  2. FrankieBFG (Ken)
  3. Arlieth (Makoto)
  4. Justin Wong (Chun-Li)
  5. ONIC|NYChrisG (Ken, Chun-Li, Yang, Sean)

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 — Results

  1. TNS|LiberalTerminator (Nova, Spencer, Dr. Doom)
  2. MASH|Escalante (Magneto, Morrigan, Dr. Doom)
  3. FLY|RayRay (Magneto, Dr. Doom, Sentinel)
  4. ONIC|NYChrisG (Morrigan, Dr. Doom, Vergil)
  5. Mothman (M.O.D.O.K., Morrigan, Phoenix)

BlazBlue: Central Fiction — Results

  1. XCaliburBladez (Carl)
  2. 7C|Don (Relius)
  3. Fuzzama (Hazama)
  4. MTE|Killakobes (Bang)
  5. Quetzagoatl (Susanoo)

Capcom vs. SNK 2 — Results

  1. Coates|Bas (A-Groove: Yamazaki, M. Bison, Blanka)
  2. Justin Wong (C-Groove: Sagat)
  3. EricTurbo (A-Groove: Blanka, Sakura, M. Bison | A-Groove: Iori, Sakura, Blanka)
  4. Silentscope (K- Groove: Chang, Morrigan, Rugal)
  5. CEO|Jebailey (K-Groove: Cammy, Hibiki, Blanka | Others)

Super Street Fighter 2: Turbo — Results

  1. ZombieDamage (Fei Long)
  2. Damdai (O. Ken, O. Ryu, Ryu)
  3. Washed09er (Balrog, Vega)
  4. Silentscope (Cammy)
  5. Zoolander (Dee Jay)

Dragon Ball FighterZ — Results

  1. LegendaryyMuffin (Super Baby 2, Master Roshi, Krillin)
  2. Lucar (Trunks, Videl, Android 16)
  3. GarlicBread (Super Baby 2, Captain Ginyu, Krillin)
  4. PAR|Zane (Goku Black, Fused Zamasu, Beerus)
  5. VIT|CientifiKOF (Blue Gogeta, SS4 Gogeta, Vegito)

Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 — Results

  1. KTP (May)
  2. DC|Mystic (Baiken)
  3. FF|ElvenShadow (Faust)
  4. Yousagi (Johnny)
  5. Foo (Kum)

Guilty Gear XX Accent Core +R — Results

  1. Hotta (Justice)
  2. FF|ElvenShadow (Faust)
  3. EX Jejsbee (May)
  4. Dummy (Robo-Ky)
  5. TSB|Pandabetic (Faust)

Florida vs. The World 10v10 Exhibition (Ultimate Marvel Vs Capcom 3) — Results

Team Florida

  • NickBad (Captain America, Deadpool, Strider)
  • FLY|Punk (Wolverine, Dr. Doom,. Vergil)
  • Hyorinmaru9th (Chun-Li, Morrigan, Phoenix)
  • KJMasta (Morrigan, Dr. Doom, Vergil)
  • Jc6666 (Captain America, Dr. Doom, Dormammu)
  • Ronan Healy (Taskmaster, Dr. Doom, Sentinel)
  • Tjinr (Hulk, Sentinel, Haggar)
  • Flocker (Zero, Vergil, Hawkeye)
  • Syntax (Nova, Spencer, Magneto)
  • LiberalTerminator (Nova, Spencer, Dr. Doom)

Team The World

  • FrankieG (Magneto, Dr. Doom, Vergil)
  • DualKevin (Deadpool, Dante, Hawkeye)
  • TA Wolf (Haggar, Spencer, Dr. Doom)
  • iDom (Dante, Dormammu, Dr. Strange)
  • 1nsiide (Wesker, Sentinel, C. Viper)
  • TT|Dylnyan (Zero, Dr. Doom, Dante)
  • Mothman (M.O.D.O.K., Morrigan, Phoenix)
  • Romora (Zero, Dr. Doom, Vergil)
  • MASH|Escalante (Magneto, Morrigan, Dr. Doom)
  • FLY|RayRay (Magneto, Dr. Doom, Sentinel)

CEO 2025 proved to be more than just a tournament series—it was an immersive celebration of skill, community, and evolving gaming cultures. The high-caliber results, from Hungrybox’s unforgettable Melee championship to the nail-biting finishes in Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Fatal Fury, and Mortal Kombat 1, have set the stage for the coming global qualifiers and championship events. Moving forward, fans and competitors alike will be keeping a close eye on how these tournaments shape the competitive landscape and influence future game balancing and strategic shifts in the FGC.

If you’re curious to explore bracket specifics—such as the complete rankings in Street Fighter 6 or the top eight breakdown for Tekken 8—or want to discuss how CEO 2025 might impact the esports calendar for the rest of the year, there’s plenty more to dive into. The evolving storylines from this year’s event continue to inspire the community as they look toward new challenges in upcoming tournaments.

eSport, Events, Gaming, News

LA Thieves close the last Major Call Of Duty League tournament with a second win in a row

The LA Thieves have once again proven their dominance in the Call of Duty League (CDL), securing victory at the final Major IV of the 2025 season at DreamHack Dallas. This win cements their place as the top seed heading into the CDL Championship Weekend, set to take place in Kitchener, Canada next month.

The journey to the championship was anything but easy. Early in the tournament, the Miami Heretics sent the Thieves into the lower bracket, setting the stage for an intense comeback. The Thieves fought their way back, eliminating Toronto Ultra and OpTic Texas, before getting their revenge against Miami in a decisive 3-0 victory.

In the Grand Finals, the Thieves faced off against Atlanta FaZe, a team known for its resilience and skill. The match was a rollercoaster, with the Thieves taking an early 2-0 lead, only for FaZe to mount a comeback and even the series at 2-2. However, the Thieves regained control, dominating the final two maps to secure a 4-2 series win.

Key Moments & Rivalries

One of the most talked-about moments of the tournament was the heated rivalry between Scrap and SupeR, two of the most outspoken players in the CDL. Their intense exchanges throughout the event added an extra layer of drama, culminating in a fiery showdown when the Thieves eliminated Miami.

Looking Ahead to CDL Champs

With this victory, the LA Thieves enter Championship Weekend with 540 CDL Points, ahead of second-place Atlanta FaZe with 505 points. The top eight teams will battle it out for the ultimate prize, and given the Thieves’ momentum, they are undoubtedly the favorites heading into the final showdown.

eSport, Events, Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

HCS Dallas Open: OpTic Gaming’s second win in a row for the HCS Opens at 2025

The Halo Championship Series (HCS) continues to be a battleground for the best Halo players in the world, and the HCS Dallas Open was no exception. OpTic Gaming emerged victorious, solidifying their dominance in the competitive Halo scene. Their performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing strategic gameplay, precise shooting, and unmatched teamwork.

OpTic Gaming’s Victory at HCS Dallas Open

OpTic Gaming’s journey to the top was marked by intense matches against formidable opponents. Their ability to adapt to different playstyles and execute flawless strategies set them apart. Some key highlights from their performance include:

  • Clutch Plays: OpTic Gaming’s players delivered incredible moments, turning the tide of matches with well-timed power weapon grabs and coordinated team pushes.
  • Strategic Map Control: Their ability to dominate key areas of the map ensured they maintained control over objectives and dictated the pace of the game.
  • Individual Brilliance: Players like Lucid and Trippy showcased their mechanical skills, landing crucial kills and making game-changing plays.

Basically, the tournament was a comfortable one for OpTic Gaming as they beat Shopify Rebellion and TSM without a single map loss and FaZe Clan where the ones to beat in the grand final.

With a successful force of a reset after scoring of 4-1 and a laser-focus gameplay, they manage to have a perfect 4-0 after reset and nailing the HCS Open Dallas 2025 Trophy.

Next stop for HCS is HCS Major Salt Lake City 2025 at August 1st’s weekend and preceded respectively by HCS Open & Qualifier between Jun and July

eSport, Events, Games, Gaming, News

Here’s how the weekend of Combo Breaker 2025 went

Combo Breaker 2025 has wrapped up, and what a spectacle it was! Held from May 23 to May 25 in Schaumburg, Illinois, this year’s event marked the 10th anniversary of the beloved fighting game tournament. With 24 games featured, including Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, the competition was fierce, and the surprises were plenty.

Major Tournament Results & Highlights

Street Fighter 6

  • Champion: Leshar (Ed, Mai, Terry) – Dominated the tournament, securing a 3-2 victory over Itabashi Zangief in the grand finals.
  • Runner-up: Itabashi Zangief (Zangief) – A veteran of the scene, fought hard but couldn’t overcome Leshar’s relentless offense.
  • Notable Moments: Blaz vs. DualKevin was a nail-biter, and Bonchan struggled against Leshar, proving how strong Ed has become in competitive play.

Tekken 8

  • Champion: Mulgold (Claudio) – Earned 560 points toward the Tekken World Cup after defeating ATIF and Knee in a thrilling final.
  • Runner-up: ATIF – Showed incredible skill but fell short against Mulgold’s calculated gameplay.
  • Big Reveal: Armor King was announced as the next Season 2 DLC character, alongside a July 10 release date for Fahkumram.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

  • Champion: GO1 – Won 12 straight rounds, proving his mastery across multiple fighting games.
  • Runner-up: Reynald – A legendary SNK player, but couldn’t stop GO1’s momentum.
  • Esports Debut: This was the first major tournament for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, and it did not disappoint.

Mortal Kombat 1

  • Champion: SonicFox (Cyrax) – Finally broke their losing streak at Combo Breaker.
  • Notable Matches: Rewind vs. VideoGamezYo was a highlight, featuring fast-paced attacks and Kameo switches.
  • DLC Characters in Action: Homelander and T-1000 made appearances in the Top 8, adding an unexpected twist to the competition.

Other Major Tournament Results & Highlights

Guilty Gear Strive

  • Champion: UMISHO (Happy Chaos) – Secured victory with a 3-1 comeback in grand finals.
  • Runner-up: Jack (Sol Badguy) – Showed incredible skill but couldn’t hold off UMISHO’s relentless zoning.
  • Notable Moment: UMISHO’s win earned her a spot at the 2025/26 ARC World Tour Finals.

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising

  • Champion: Xerom (Charlotta) – Dominated the finals with a clean sweep.
  • Runner-up: Zane – Struggled against Charlotta’s aggressive playstyle.
  • Esports Impact: This win secured Xerom a spot at the 2025/26 ARC World Tour Finals.

Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes]

  • Champion: BigBlack – Defended his title with a 3-1 reset victory.
  • Runner-up: Knotts – Put up a strong fight but couldn’t stop BigBlack’s momentum.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Champion: ATATA – 3-1 victory.
  • Runner-up: Ikan.

Exciting Announcements

  • Tekken 8 DLC: Armor King joins the roster in Season 2, with Fahkumram arriving on July 10.
  • Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves: Andy Bogard was revealed as a playable character.
  • Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising: Galleon was confirmed as the next DLC character, with a showcase happening right after the event.
  • Guilty Gear Strive: Unika was revealed as a new playable character, with a gameplay trailer shown during the event

Combo Breaker 2025 was a thrilling celebration of fighting games, packed with intense matches, shocking upsets, and exciting reveals. Whether you’re a hardcore competitor or a casual fan, this year’s event had something for everyone. With new DLC characters, legendary players, and unforgettable moments, Combo Breaker continues to be a cornerstone of the fighting game community.

eSport, Events, Gaming, News

EVO 2025 had it’s 2025 jumpstart with EVO Japan 2025

EVO Japan 2025 has wrapped up, leaving behind a trail of intense battles, shocking upsets, and exciting announcements for the fighting game community. Held at Tokyo’s Big Sight East Exhibition Halls, this year’s event saw thousands of competitors from around the world vying for glory across multiple titles. Let’s dive into the biggest moments from the tournament, including the winners, key matches, and major news.

Tournament Winners and Standout Performances

Street Fighter 6

Dominican powerhouse MenaRD defended his title successfully, becoming the back-to-back EVO Japan Street Fighter 6 champion. His journey to victory was anything but easy, facing fierce competition from Japan’s Ryukichi, whom he defeated in a thrilling 3-2 upper bracket final before sealing the championship with a 3-1 win in the grand finals. MenaRD’s victory speech included a challenge to legendary player Daigo Umehara, setting the stage for a potential showdown later this year.

Tekken 8

Tekken legend Knee added another trophy to his collection, securing his fourth EVO title with a dominant performance using Bryan Fury. His final match against Mulgold was a nail-biter, with Mulgold clawing his way back through the losers’ bracket for a rematch, only to fall 3-2 against Knee’s relentless offense.

Guilty Gear -Strive-

In a stunning display of loyalty and skill, Daru_I-No took home his first EVO title, playing his namesake character I-No. His reverse sweep in the finals cemented his place among the top Guilty Gear players in the world.

The King of Fighters XV

Taiwanese veteran Lin “ET” Chia-hung successfully defended his King of Fighters XV title, securing his second consecutive championship with a 3-1 victory over Japanese competitor mok. His dominance in the bracket was undeniable, maintaining an undefeated record against mok throughout the tournament.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

Though not a main event, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves had a special side bracket, where Xiaohai emerged victorious with a 3-1 win over Fenritti. His performance showcased the depth of talent in SNK’s latest fighting game.

Major Announcements and Game Updates

Beyond the competition, EVO Japan 2025 was packed with exciting reveals:

  • Tekken 8 announced new characters and major updates, keeping fans hyped for upcoming content.
  • Guilty Gear Strive revealed Unika’s release date, adding another fighter to its roster.
  • Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising showcased new gameplay footage and a release date for Galleon, expanding its universe.
  • Street Fighter 6 surprised fans with a collaboration with Overwatch, bringing unique crossover content to the game.

Looking Ahead to EVO 2025

EVO Japan 2025 marks the beginning of the fighting game community’s summer circuit, leading up to EVO 2025 in Las Vegas later this year. With new champions rising and legendary players defending their titles, the road to the next major tournament is already shaping up to be an exciting one.

eSport, Events, Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

OpTic Gaming hosted and won the HCS Arlington Major 2025

OpTic Gaming has finally broken their streak of second-place finishes, securing a major trophy in the Halo Championship Series (HCS) at the Arlington Major. This victory marks a significant milestone for the team, which had been chasing a win for 18 months since their last major triumph at the Fort Worth Major in September 2023.

The Arlington Major was not without its challenges. A major power outage disrupted the event, but OpTic Gaming persevered, showcasing resilience and determination. After a less-than-perfect pool stage, the team found themselves in the lower bracket during the final stage. However, they rallied and embarked on an impressive run, defeating formidable opponents such as TSM, Infamous, Team Nemesis, Spacestation, FaZe Clan, and Shopify Rebellion.

Highlights from the Event

  • Lower Bracket Comeback: OpTic Gaming’s journey through the lower bracket was nothing short of spectacular. Their 3-0 elimination of Spacestation, a long-time rival, was a highlight of the tournament.
  • Grand Finals: The team faced Shopify Rebellion in the grand finals, delivering a performance that secured their victory and the trophy.
  • Prize and Qualification: OpTic Gaming walked away with a $100,000 prize and an earned qualification spot for the Dallas Open, the next major event in the 2025 HCS season.

This win is just the beginning of the 2025 HCS season. Teams will now prepare for the Dallas Open in May, followed by the Salt Lake City Major in August, and the FaZe-hosted Major in September. All roads lead to the Halo World Championship, where the best teams will compete for ultimate glory.

OpTic Gaming’s victory at the Arlington Major is a testament to their hard work and dedication. After months of near misses, this win is a well-deserved moment of triumph for the team and their fans. The future looks bright for OpTic Gaming as they continue their journey in the HCS.

Here is the roadmap and what’s left of the Halo Championship Series 2025 season: