Quick Read
- The 2026 Call of Duty League Championship Weekend will be held from July 16-19, 2026, at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.
- FaZe Vegas, newly rebranded and relocated, will serve as the official host and production lead for the first time.
- The championship will feature the top eight franchises competing for a world title and multi-million dollar prize pool on Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
- Presale tickets for the event launched on January 31, 2026, with general public release following.
- This marks the second time Las Vegas has hosted the CDL Championship, solidifying its status as an esports hub.
LAS VEGAS (Azat TV) – The prestigious 2026 Call of Duty League (CDL) Championship Weekend is set to return to Las Vegas, with a significant new development: FaZe Vegas, the recently rebranded esports franchise, will serve as the official host and production lead for the event. Scheduled from July 16 to 19, 2026, at the Michelob Ultra Arena within Mandalay Bay, this announcement marks a historic first for FaZe Vegas and further cements Las Vegas’s reputation as a leading global hub for high-stakes esports competitions.
FaZe Vegas to Lead 2026 Call of Duty League Championship Production
The confirmation came on Friday, January 31, 2026, during the Major I tournament, signaling a pivotal moment for both the Call of Duty League and FaZe Vegas. This move represents a substantial shift for the franchise, which completed its high-profile relocation from Atlanta and subsequent rebranding at the close of 2025. By taking the helm of the league’s ‘Champs’ weekend, FaZe Vegas is elevating its role beyond being a top-tier competitor to actively managing the event’s atmosphere and production. This strategic decision is widely interpreted as a clear statement of intent by FaZe Vegas and its parent company, GameSquare Holdings, to establish their leadership in the North American esports scene from their new Nevada base.
The 2026 season has already traversed a global roadmap, with league events held in Dallas, Birmingham (UK), Atlanta, and Paris. However, the ultimate destination remains Las Vegas, where the top eight franchises from the regular season will engage in a double-elimination bracket to vie for the coveted world title and a multi-million dollar prize pool. The tournament will be played on Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, promising the return of classic competitive formats that fans eagerly anticipate. A CDL official stated that this year’s ‘Champs is set to be the most exciting yet,’ emphasizing that the combination of a world-class venue like the Michelob Ultra Arena and the vibrant energy of Las Vegas creates ‘the perfect backdrop for the biggest party in esports.’
Ticket Demand Soars for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Event
Anticipation for the championship is running exceptionally high, with demand for tickets already reaching record levels. Presale tickets became available on Friday morning, January 31, 2026, via fazevegas.com, followed by a general public release later that afternoon. Attendees will benefit from the Michelob Ultra Arena’s direct connection to the Mandalay Bay Resort, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience within the luxury of the resort corridor. This integration allows players and spectators alike to fully engage with the event while enjoying premium amenities.
The Michelob Ultra Arena is no stranger to major gaming spectacles, having previously hosted legendary events such as Evo. Its proven track record demonstrates its capability to handle the intricate technical and logistical demands of global esports tournaments. This expertise ensures a smooth and high-quality production for the Call of Duty League Championship, providing an optimal environment for both competitors and fans.
Las Vegas Reinforces Status as Esports Capital
This upcoming championship marks the second occasion the Call of Duty League Championship has chosen Las Vegas as its host city, following a successful run in 2023 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The repeated selection of Las Vegas underscores its growing prominence as a premier destination for esports. The city’s established infrastructure, entertainment offerings, and enthusiastic fan base make it an ideal location for major gaming events, attracting both domestic and international attendees. The local government and business community have increasingly recognized the economic and cultural impact of the esports industry, actively supporting initiatives that further integrate gaming into the city’s identity.
The ongoing commitment to hosting high-profile esports events like the CDL Championship reinforces Las Vegas’s strategic vision to become a global esports capital. This includes not only providing state-of-the-art venues but also fostering an ecosystem that supports competitive gaming, content creation, and fan engagement. The collaboration between the Call of Duty League, FaZe Vegas, and the city of Las Vegas exemplifies a concerted effort to deliver unparalleled experiences for the esports community.
The decision by FaZe Vegas to take on the dual role of host and competitor for the 2026 Call of Duty League Championship highlights a growing trend in esports where major franchises are increasingly involved in the operational aspects of large-scale events, signaling a maturing industry that seeks greater control over its brand and fan experience.