The 2025 Call of Duty League (CDL) season has officially kicked off with an unforgettable Major 1 in Madrid, Spain. With 12 teams vying for dominance, the stage was set for a fierce rivalry in the Grand Finals.
After an action-packed weekend, Atlanta FaZe emerged victorious, overcoming the Los Angeles Thieves in an exhilarating series that went all the way to game seven.
The Road to the Grand Finals: A Battle of Giants
Major 1′s action began with intense competition as the field of 12 teams gradually narrowed down. However, the biggest surprise came with the unexpected early exit of OpTic Texas, which left two powerhouse teams: Atlanta FaZe and Los Angeles Thieves, to battle it out for the title.
The rivalry between FaZe and the Thieves has been heating up, and the Winners Finals proved just how fierce the competition was. FaZe managed to pull off a reverse sweep against the Thieves, which secured them a spot in the Grand Finals. This set the stage for what would become a monumental face-off.
Grand Finals Recap: A Series for the Ages
The Grand Finals proved to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions. In the opening Hacienda Hardpoint, Atlanta FaZe squandered a 200-135 lead, ultimately losing the game.
Despite this setback, FaZe rallied in games two and three, securing critical victories in Red Card Search & Destroy (6-4) and Hacienda Control (3-2). Los Angeles Thieves responded with a hard-fought win in Red Card Hardpoint, taking the game 250-229 and leveling the series at 2-2.
In a crucial moment, FaZe dominated Vault Search & Destroy with a commanding 6-1 victory, inching them closer to the title. But the Thieves weren’t ready to concede. They delivered a stunning performance in Protocol Control, securing a 3-1 win and forcing the series into a decisive game seven.
Game 7: FaZe’s Clutch Performance
With the championship on the line, game seven of Skyline Search & Destroy would be the ultimate decider. Early in the game, an unfortunate death by the Thieves’ HyDra put them at a disadvantage.
The FaZe squad seized the opportunity, with Tyler “aBeZy” Pharris and Chris “Simp” Lehr playing key roles in clutch moments. A bomb defusal from Simp sealed the win, and FaZe triumphed with a 6-4 victory, securing their Major 1 championship.
Simp Shines as MVP of CDL Major 1
While all four FaZe players contributed to the victory, it was Chris “Simp” Lehr who earned the title of tournament MVP. His consistent performance and clutch plays throughout the weekend played a pivotal role in securing the win for his team, culminating in a final 1.07 K/D ratio.
Key Moments from CDL Major 1 2025
- Reverse Sweep by FaZe: FaZe’s incredible comeback in the Winners Finals, where they reverse-swept the Thieves, was a major highlight.
- Clutch Plays by FaZe: In game seven, FaZe’s timely kills, including the bomb defusal by Simp, proved crucial.
- Simp’s MVP Performance: Simp’s leadership and clutch moments earned him MVP honors, with standout performances in pivotal rounds.
Final Standings and Prize Distribution
- Atlanta FaZe – $150,000
- Los Angeles Thieves – $90,000
- Miami Heretics – $60,000
- Carolina Royal Ravens – $30,000
5th-6th Toronto Ultra – $15,000
5th-6th Minnesota RØKKR – $15,000
7th-8th OpTic Texas – $7,500
7th-8th Cloud9 New York – $7,500
9th-12th Los Angeles Guerillas M8 – $0
9th-12th Vancouver Surge – $0
9th-12th Boston Breach – $0
9th-12th Vegas Falcons – $0
FaZe Solidifies Its Dominance in CDL 2025
With their stunning victory in CDL Major 1 2025, Atlanta FaZe has firmly established themselves as the team to beat in the new season. The rivalry with Los Angeles Thieves will undoubtedly continue to be one of the most exciting storylines of the year.
As the league progresses, all eyes will be on FaZe as they look to defend their crown and secure more victories in this competitive season.