It turns out that all the Call of Duty League needed to boost its viewership was a touch of French influence.
French YouTube star and former CoD esports competitor Gotaga made a splash in the CDL this season by acquiring the Los Angeles Guerrillas roster and merging it with his Gentle Mates organization. The impact has been immediate, delivering record-breaking numbers for the league.
Record-Breaking Viewership for CDL Major 1 Qualifier
Thanks to the influence of Gotaga and M8, the Stage One Major Qualifier became the most-watched event in CDL history. The qualifiers amassed over 6.5 million hours watched, surpassing the previous record of nearly 5.6 million hours set by the 2023 Stage Three Major.
The Stage One Major Qualifiers, held between December and January, also featured the CDL’s first-ever Minor tournament, where Atlanta FaZe emerged victorious. This mix, combined with the strong presence of powerhouse teams like OpTic Texas and FaZe, helped fuel the league’s viewership surge.
Call of Duty League 2025 (image via Getty)The Influence of M8 in CDL’s Growing Popularity
Call of Duty esports has long struggled to maintain viewer interest when dominant teams like OpTic and FaZe are not competing. However, the entry of M8 into the league has introduced a fresh dynamic. Throughout the 73-hour broadcast window of the qualifiers, M8’s presence contributed significantly to viewership growth.
Los Angeles Guerrillas M8, Gotaga’s rebranded team, played a central role in the league’s biggest matches. According to EsportsCharts, four of the top-viewed matchups from the Stage One Major Qualifiers featured LAG M8. The highest-viewed match took place on Dec. 14, when LAG M8 faced off against OpTic Texas, drawing more viewers than fellow co-streamer Scump.
Challenges on the Competitive Front for LAG M8
While M8’s impact on CDL’s audience has been substantial, the team itself has faced struggles on the competitive side. LAG M8 finished Stage One with a 2-5 record, placing them ninth in the standings. As a result, they will enter the upcoming Major One tournament in the elimination bracket, making their path to success even tougher.
A New Era of CDL Branding
The CDL has undergone a major transformation in 2025, shifting away from traditional city-based franchises to a model that includes established esports organizations. Alongside M8, teams like Cloud9 New York, Las Vegas Falcons, G2 Esports’ Minnesota ROKKR, and Miami Heretics have joined forces with legacy powerhouses such as OpTic, FaZe, and 100 Thieves.
A Global Shift for Call of Duty Esports
EsportsCharts data highlights the massive influx of French viewership, underscoring the global expansion of the league. With international organizations like M8 and Saudi-backed Falcons making their mark, the CDL is moving away from its North American-centric identity. This globalization could be the key to long-term sustainability and growth.
The Road Ahead: CDL Major One in Madrid
The first Major tournament of the 2025 season kicks off this Thursday, Jan. 30. Hosted by Toronto Ultra, the event will be historic as the CDL’s first-ever Major held in Europe, taking place in Madrid. As the league continues to evolve, this international shift could further cement Call of Duty’s place on the global esports stage.
