Los Angeles Thieves enter the Call of Duty League Championship 2025 as the undisputed favorites, carrying the momentum of an exceptional season that has seen them dominate the competitive. After finishing the regular season with an impressive 37-11 record and accumulating 540 CDL Points to secure the top seed, the franchise has positioned itself perfectly for another championship run.
The 2025 CDL Championship marks a historic moment as the first time the tournament takes place outside the United States, adding an extra layer of significance to what promises to be an electrifying competition. For Los Angeles Thieves, this represents an opportunity to cement their legacy as one of Call of Duty esports’ premier organizations, building upon their 2022 championship victory.
Under the ownership of esports legend Matt ‘Nadeshot’ Haag, the organization made strategic roster changes ahead of the Black Ops 6 season, assembling a star-studded lineup designed specifically to compete at the highest level. The investment has paid dividends throughout the season, with the team capturing two consecutive Major victories and establishing itself as the team to beat heading into Championship Weekend.
The franchise’s journey to the top seed hasn’t been without challenges, but their ability to perform under pressure and deliver when it matters most has been their defining characteristic. With a favorable first-round matchup against Boston Breach awaiting them, Los Angeles Thieves are positioned to make a deep championship run and potentially capture their second CDL title in franchise history.
Current Roster and Key Players
The Los Angeles Thieves roster represents a perfect blend of veteran leadership and explosive talent, carefully constructed to maximize championship potential. The four-man squad features Daniel ‘Ghosty’ Rothe, the longest-tenured member who has represented the franchise since September 2023, providing crucial continuity and team chemistry.
Dylan ‘Envoy’ Hannon brings championship experience to the roster, having previously won the 2022 CDL Championship with Los Angeles Thieves during his first stint with the organization. His return to the franchise adds invaluable leadership and clutch-factor performance capabilities that prove essential during high-pressure championship moments.
Paco ‘HyDra’ Rusiewiez stands as one of the most accomplished players in the lineup, dubbed ‘The French Phenom’ for his exceptional skill and game-changing abilities. As the 2023 CDL Championship winner and season MVP under New York Subliners, HyDra holds the distinction of being the only European player to lift the CDL’s biggest trophy, bringing international flair and proven championship pedigree to the roster.
Thomas ‘Scrap’ Ernst completes the formidable quartet, having made his mark during a successful two-year tenure with Toronto Ultra before joining Los Angeles Thieves. His aggressive playstyle has resonated strongly with fans and teammates alike, while his recent MVP performance during the Major 3 victory showcased his ability to his game during crucial moments.
Season Performance and Recent Form
Los Angeles Thieves Team (Image via Getty)Los Angeles Thieves’ 2025 season trajectory tells a story of continuous improvement and championship-caliber consistency. After struggling during the Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 era following their 2022 championship success, the organization’s strategic roster overhaul has yielded immediate and impressive results.
The season opener in Madrid, Spain, provided an early indication of the team’s potential, as they secured a Grand Final appearance against Atlanta FaZe in one of the most competitive matches witnessed in recent years. Despite falling short in that initial encounter, the performance demonstrated their capability to compete at the highest level and set the foundation for future success.
Major 2 represented the team’s lowest placement of the season with a top-four finish, but this temporary setback proved to be merely a stepping stone toward greater achievements. The experience gained from that elimination bracket run contributed valuable lessons that would prove instrumental in their subsequent victories.
The turning point came during Major 3, where the Los Angeles Thieves captured their first trophy of the season with a dominant performance. Their path to victory included a thrilling five-game series against Vancouver Surge in the winner’s final, followed by a commanding 4-0 sweep in the Grand Final rematch, with Scrap earning MVP honors for his exceptional performance.
The momentum continued into Major 4, where the franchise secured back-to-back Major victories by defeating Atlanta FaZe 4-2 in the Grand Final. This victory not only demonstrated their ability to perform consistently at the highest level but also secured their position atop the regular season standings with 540 points, establishing them as the clear championship favorites.
Championship Weekend Outlook
As the top seed entering Championship Weekend, Los Angeles Thieves possess every advantage necessary for championship success. Their first-round matchup against Boston Breach represents a favorable draw, facing an opponent that has shown flashes of potential but struggled with consistency throughout the regular season.
The franchise’s recent form suggests they are peaking at precisely the right moment, with their back-to-back Major victories demonstrating both tactical flexibility and mental fortitude. Their ability to adapt to different opponents and game situations, combined with their deep roster talent, positions them as the clear favorites to capture the championship trophy.
The psychological advantage of entering as the top seed cannot be understated, as it provides confidence and momentum that often proves decisive during high-pressure championship scenarios. With their combination of individual skill, team chemistry, and championship experience, Los Angeles Thieves are primed to add another CDL Championship to their trophy collection and establish themselves as a dynasty in Call of Duty esports.
