Update: following the release of The Esports Observer’s story, NRG Co-Owner and Co-CEO Hector Rodriguez officially announced that he has re-purchased the OpTic IP from Immortals Gaming Club. In a separate announcement video released by Optic Gaming featuring Rodriguez, the official name of the Call of Duty League franchise has been confirmed as OpTic Chicago.
Original Story: The “Green Wall” is back. Today the Chicago Huntsman, the team owned and managed by NRG Esports, is scheduled to announce that it will be rebranded as Chicago Optic, according to sources close to the league. This revelation comes after a deal that saw Hector Rodriguez’ re-acquire the Optic IP in a deal last month, leaving the Immortals Gaming Club slot nameless for a short time, only to then sell the slot to 100 Thieves. With this rebranding, the league has two of the most popular franchises back in the fold as it looks to move into its second season.
The Huntsmen had a successful first campaign in the league with an overall third-place finish, taking home a championship bracket check of $600K USD while sporting a regular-season record of 21-9. The team went 75-44 in games won which was good enough for third in the regular-season standings.
While the Call of Duty League did not expand in regards to the number of participating teams, team owners have been overwhelmingly supportive and positive about the direction of the league despite the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic such as having to cancel live events. The addition of 100 Thieves and now OpTic are a signal to league owners and investors that the CDL is in a good position to scale.
Hector Rodriguez and OpTic go hand-in-hand as one of the most recognizable duos in the Call of Duty esports scene. And now coupled with NRG co-owner Andy Miller, the franchise will look to capitalize on this trifecta in building championship rosters.