Although the stars on the mainstage are incredibly important to Call of Duty, cultivating the talent of tomorrow is also imperative when it comes to the CDL. Facilitating the development of professionals in the amateur scene and creating a path for them to enter the league is important to constantly refresh talent in the league.
The Chicago Huntsmen homestead is April 4 and 5 and will feature both the professional and amateur events. Although all eyes are on the stars of the league, the players of tomorrow also need to be supported. This year it is much harder to watch and support the amateur teams due to no stream being available for viewers. Given the current situation it is imperative the CDL continue to promote and support amateurs and provide them the ability to compete at the highest level.
Following in the footsteps of Atlanta FaZe, the Huntsmen recently upped the prize pool for CDL Chicago amateurs to $25,000, up from $10,000. In addition to the larger prize pool the winning team will be celebrated on the main stage by Hector “Hecz” Rodriguez, receive a meet and greet with the Huntsmen team and gameplay analysis from the Huntsmen’s staff. An experience like this is invaluable and can help give the winning team insight moving forward. It is small opportunities like this that provide the amateur teams the chance to grow and better themselves.
Courtesy of Call of Duty League
Given the amateur scene is crucial to developing talent for the CDL, developing talent through this avenue will begin to have an effect on the CDL. For example, ahead of CDL LA the LA Guerrillas have already made two changes to the roster adding amateur players Spart and Vivid. With other teams like the Seattle Surge and New York Subliners making changes ahead of the next event, it appears inevitable that franchise teams will inevitably look to the amateur scene to switch things up and provide new life to struggling organizations.
In previous years it was easier for amateur talent to rise to the spotlight; Open Bracket teams could earn their way into pool play and ultimately end up on the main stage. If it was not for the amateur scene, these players would not have had a chance to rise to the main stage and play in the spotlight. Although this year the format for the CDL is different, the amateurs can still earn a spot on a franchise team.
As more teams seek help later in the season as they push for playoffs, they might turn to the amateur scene to obtain new talent. This is only possible if resources are devoted to keeping amateurs compensated and providing a platform for them to succeed. Having amateur players that are supported provides a stronger ecosystem for the CDL and cultivates top-notch talent which can be easily infused into the league.
Featured image courtesy of the Chicago Huntsmen
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