Here is a closer look at everything we know so far about the Call of Duty League’s format potentially undergoing revision.
The Call of Duty League, which was formed in 2018 and currently includes 12 teams, is one of the world’s most popular eSports competitions.
Its popularity continues to grow each year, and to ensure continued success, official organisers and league chiefs constantly look for new and improved ways to overcome challenges and create a more solid and sustainable league.
With that said, here is a closer look at why the Call of Duty’s league format will potentially undergo revision. We will also take a look at some of the most recent changes that have been made, which have helped it achieve record-breaking attendance and the highest viewership in history.
Why has the Call of Duty League format been revised, and will there be any more amendments?
The Call of Duty League format seems to always be changing in one way or another for the better, and that is due to the very nature of the ever-changing landscape of the eSports sector.
For example, to support the professional Call of Duty teams in today’s challenging times, entry fees were slashed for the Majors, Opens, and Championships. Additionally, prize pools have gotten much bigger.
The sales of team merchandise have increased, and it all comes under the newly reworked Call of Duty League revenue distribution business model called ‘Team Bundles’ that was implemented in 2024.
Teams now benefit from a greater share of in-game merchandise sales, which also includes a minimum two-year revenue guarantee. The aim of this new policy was to help secure the long-term future of the Call of Duty League. Under the terms of the CoD League’s updated team deal restructure, outstanding entry fees were also eliminated.
The decision to revise the Call of Duty League business model is similar to what happened in the Overwatch League, both of which are owned by Activision.
Is it possible to bet on the Call of Duty League?
Yes. eSports betting is now big business. More people than ever watch live-streamed events like the Call of Duty League on various trusted platforms, and many of them aged 18 or above who watch their favourite teams in action also bet on the outcomes of these events on a handful of fully licensed and regulated iGaming websites.
What other major upcoming eSports competitions can I look forward to in 2025?
Over the coming months, there are plenty of major eSports competitions to look forward to. However, instead of listing them all, here are the names of five major events you might want to add to your diary or calendar.
The top five eSports events still to come in 2025 include the following (in no particular order of importance):
- Valorant Champions 2025. Game: Valorant. Place: Paris, France. Date: September 1 – October 1. Estimated prize pool: $2 million. Teams competing: 16 top teams from various regions
- The International 2025. Game: Dota 2. Place: Singapore OR Seattle. Date: September 4 – September 10. Estimated prize pool: $30 million. Teams competing: 18 of the world’s best Dota 2 teams
- League of Legends Worlds 2025. Game: LoL (League of Legends). Place: Chengdu, China. Date: October to November. Estimated prize pool: $5 million. Teams competing: Regional slots were expanded this year, at least 17 teams are expected to compete
- PUBG Global Championship 2025. Game: Player Unknown’s Battleground. Place: South Korea. Date: December. Estimated prize pool: $3 million. Teams competing: 32 teams from the major global regions
- Fortnite World Cup 2025. Game: Fortnite. Place: Los Angeles, USA. Date: July. Estimated prize pool: $10 million. Teams competing: Solo and Duo team categories, each with 100 players
Final thoughts
The official organisers, regulators, and chiefs of these major eSports competitions and leagues will continue to make the necessary revisions to their business models to ensure the longevity of professional eSports competitions.
The necessary changes will not only benefit the teams involved but also deliver the ultimate fan experience and take the entire industry to extraordinary new heights.
