Just weeks after a disappointing exit from the CDL Champions, ATL FaZe has redeemed themselves in spectacular fashion. The team has emerged as the Esports World Cup COD MW3 champions, clinching the title with a thrilling victory over 100 Thieves in the Grand Finals. This remarkable run caps off their year in Call of Duty competition and highlights their resurgence in the esports scene. Here’s how FaZe made their unforgettable comeback.
How ATL FaZe Won the EWC COD MW3 Tournament
The EWC COD MW3 event featured a high-stakes format with group play followed by a single-elimination playoff bracket. Teams faced intense competition, as a single loss could spell the end of their tournament run. With all participating teams from the CDL, the event provided a final chance for teams to prove themselves on MW3 before the year’s end.
FaZe and 100 Thieves Dominate Group Stage and Bracket Play
ATL FaZe dominated Group D with an undefeated record, including a decisive 3-0 victory over 100 Thieves early in the tournament. Other notable CDL teams such as Toronto Ultra, Boston Breach, OpTic Gaming, and the newly-formed Cloud9, featuring the former New York Subliners roster, also made their mark during the group stage.
In the playoffs, FaZe continued their impressive performance by swiftly defeating Boston Breach. They then pulled off a major upset against OpTic Gaming, the reigning CDL World Champions, to secure their spot in the Grand Finals. On the other side of the bracket, 100 Thieves, led by emerging talent Joedeceives, overcame a tense match against Toronto Ultra before breezing past Vancouver Surge to earn their place in the finals.
FaZe Take Grand Finals in a 6-Game Series
The Grand Finals provided a compelling narrative, featuring a rematch from the group stage and a personal rivalry between FaZe’s aBeZy and 100 Thieves’ Joedeceives. aBeZy had been a key mentor to Joedeceives in his rise through the pro CDL scene.
The series opened on Sub Base, one of FaZe’s strongest maps, and they capitalized on their familiarity to take the first map. However, 100 Thieves quickly countered, winning the next two maps and taking a brief lead in the series. Despite this setback, FaZe showed their resilience, winning the remaining three maps, including a dominant 6-1 victory on Rio SND, to secure the championship.
This win was a significant redemption for FaZe, who had previously finished in the top 6 at the CDL Champions. Although they did not clinch the CDL World Championship, their victory at the Esports World Cup stands as a prestigious achievement.
EWC COD MW3 Winnings and MVP
ATL FaZe's championship win came with a substantial reward: $600,000 USD and 1000 club points. 100 Thieves, as runners-up, earned $320,000. OpTic Gaming and Vancouver Surge, who finished in the top four, each received $160,000.
The MVP of the tournament was FaZe’s Cellium, who not only led the team in the finals but also performed consistently throughout the playoffs. Cellium’s exceptional play earned him an additional $50,000 and solidified his status as one of the tournament's standout performers.
FaZe's triumph at the EWC COD MW3 is a testament to their skill and resilience, marking a fitting end to an intense year of Call of Duty competition.