The European Call of Duty scene has made significant strides in recent years, with Splyce's second-place finish at the 2016 Call of Duty World Championship marking a pivotal moment. The UK team defeated several top North American organizations, earning $200,000 and proving EU teams could compete at the highest level.

The Call of Duty World League (CWL) has since expanded its focus to become more globally inclusive, increasing representation for EU and APAC regions. However, this expansion has met mixed reactions from the North American community.

Key Points of Contention:

• Pool Play Spots: EU teams receiving guaranteed spots at NA events has sparked debate
• Open Bracket Challenges: EU teams historically had to grind through grueling open brackets
• Regional Skill Gap: Questions remain about EU teams' consistency against top NA competition
• Game Mode Disparities: EU teams are perceived to be weaker in Uplink but stronger in Search and Destroy

Expert Perspectives:

MLG caster CouRage notes that while EU teams can challenge NA squads, taking full series remains difficult. Former pro ShAnE believes EU deserves representation but suggests fewer guaranteed spots would be appropriate.

The Future of EU Call of Duty:

• Increased financial support from Activision has improved EU practice conditions
• Better tournament infrastructure allows more competitive development
• Regional differences in console gaming popularity may maintain NA's overall advantage

While EU teams have proven they can compete with top NA talent, achieving consistent dominance remains challenging. The region's continued growth depends on tournament performance and adaptation to the evolving competitive landscape.

Through increased support and opportunities, EU teams continue working to earn respect on the global stage, with many professionals confident in their ability to win major events in the future.

Related Articles

Previous Articles