Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Photo via MLG

Competitive Call of Duty switches to 5-vs-5 format for the 2019 CWL season

The CWL confirmed it today.
This article is over 6 years old and may contain outdated information

The Call of Duty World League has confirmed the upcoming 2018-2019 Black Ops 4 competitive season will feature a five-vs-five format for the first time.

Recommended Videos

This confirmation comes after an extended period of uncertainty about how many players would be included in each team. With Black Ops 4’s switch to five-vs-five in public matches, fans and players alike wondered if the competitive scene would see a shift from four-vs-four, which has been used for nearly a decade.

Since it was revealed that Black Ops 4 would have less players in public matches, competitive figures have debated the idea of changing the competitive format. One of the biggest critics included Patrick “ACHES” Price, who won the $1.5 million CWL Championship last month with Evil Geniuses.

Related: Breaking down the pros and cons of 5-vs-5 in competitive Call of Duty

ACHES, who had tweeted daily about his disdain for a switch to five players per team, consistently expressed anger or disappointment that Activision and the CWL would not give the pro players any heads-up on their plans.

While some will likely be happy with this decision, it will undoubtedly anger others, many of whom may be longtime fans of the esport. With a switch to five-vs-five, it guarantees organizations will be forced to pay an additional CoD player, a potential factor in why some brands decide not to get or stay involved with Call of Duty esports.

The change also goes against tradition, something many fans have advised against. Starting with competitive Call of Duty’s first national championship tournament in 2008, the esport has featured four-person teams, a key difference from many other competitive scenes.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Preston Byers
Preston Byers
Dot Esports associate editor. Co-host of the Ego Chall Podcast. Since discovering esports through the 2013 Call of Duty Championship, Preston has pursued a career in esports and gaming. He graduated from Youngstown State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism in 2021.