Stage 2 of the CoD World League (CWL) is nearing its conclusion, with seven of the eight Division A teams still in with a shout as we approach their final week. It’s all to play for; the top 4 rosters will qualify for Playoffs and compete for a share of $500,000 on July 29th.
Division A boasts the tighter competition between the two groups. It’s theoretically possible for a six-way tie to occur at an 8 – 6 record, but this would require a stark turn of form from Epsilon. Reedy’s team have been thoroughly outclassed this season, failing to win a single series. Poor performances in Hardpoint and SnD make it difficult to predict them taking a victory at all. However, if they can muster something special as they did at the end of Stage 1, Epsilon could play spoiler to the predictions of many.
Standings after Week 3
Epsilon have no hope of progression, but Splyce – their European counterparts – have almost equally slim chances. Despite the pre-season recruitment of Joshua “Joshh” Lee-Shepherd, they require a miracle to qualify after a poor Week 3. In Splyce’s remaining matches they face Epsilon, but also division-leaders Red Reserve and a rejuvenated Echo Fox.
Even if they overhaul these heavyweights, a 7 – 7 record would rely heavily on a favorable tie-breaker. As Splyce only win the head-to-head against Team EnvyUs, their progression is almost impossible. Red Reserve and Division B’s Unilad will likely be Europe’s only contenders at the end of this month.
Hypothetical Table
Division A is currently headed by CWL Anaheim finalists Red Reserve, and their road home should be comfortable. They overcame all four of this week’s opponents first time around. Team Kaliber have proven a problem for the top seeds throughout the season, but I expect Red to close out regardless.
Echo Fox impressed massively in Week 3, winning all their matches including toppling Red Reserve. Following their role swap, moving Faccento from Flex to Main AR in place of Aqua, Echo Fox appear revitalized. Eight wins will be enough to guarantee qualification, so only victory over Epsilon is required. However, they will certainly look to avoid defeat against Splyce and FaZe, as a high seeding is very important for Playoffs.
Division B is currently headed by Anaheim champions Rise Nation and a fearsome OpTic Gaming. A 3rd or 4th place finish in Division A would likely set up a first-round match with one of these giants.
Red Reserve and Echo Fox are almost assured of their places, with Splyce and Epsilon borderline out of the running. This leaves Evil Geniuses, Team Kaliber, Team EnvyUs and FaZe Clan with a realistic chance of progression. EG’s strong start to Division A stands them in good stead; a victory over any of their aforementioned rivals will ensure qualification.
FaZe Clan; victorious at Stage 1 Playoffs
Team EnvyUs probably have the easiest run-in of the contenders, and they are my pick to take 4th. However, strong weeks from tK and FaZe could make things interesting. It would not surprise me to see map-count tie-breakers employed at a 7 – 7 win-loss record. Envy 3 – 0d tK in Week 2 however, giving them another advantage as crunch-time approaches.
Stage 1 champions FaZe Clan are on the brink of failing to even make Top 8 this time. It seems their unwillingness to make a roster change after the victory is not paying off down the line. It’s possible that all will change, but I have no doubt that FaZe will not repeat their former glory.
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