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OpTic Texas
OpTic Texas
OpTic Texas
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OpTic Texas (formerly the Dallas Empire) is an American professional Call of Duty League (CDL) esports team based in Dallas, Texas. OpTic Texas is owned by OpTic Gaming. Dallas was announced as one of the first five cities to host a CDL team.

Key Information

History

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Dallas Empire (2019-2021)

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On May 2, 2019, Activision Blizzard announced that Envy Gaming had purchased one of the first five franchise slots for the Call of Duty League.[1] According to ESPN, the publisher was looking to sell slots for approximately $25 million per team.[2][3] Starting on October 14, 2019, and over the next 5 days Dallas announced their starting 5 man roster culminating with the announcement of their branding, the Dallas Empire.[4] On August 30, 2020, Dallas Empire won the 2020 Call of Duty League Championship.[5] On September 1, 2020, Clayster announced on his Twitter account that he would go into the 2021 as a restricted free agent as a result of the Call of Duty League moving back to a 4v4 format.[6]

The team started the 2021 season well, finishing 2nd at Stage 1 and 3rd at Stage 2. However, during Stage 3 the team announced that Huke would be moved to the substitute position with FeLo joining the starting roster.[7] Following a disappointing 7th/8th finishing during Stage 3 the team announced another change to the team's roster with Vivid being acquired from the Los Angeles Guerrillas, resulting in FeLo once again being moved to the substitute position.[8] The team showed improvement, resulting in a 2nd finish at Stage 4 after a 5–4 loss to the Atlanta FaZe in the Grand Finals. This result was followed up with a 4th finishing during Stage 5, resulting in the team finishing 3rd in the Regular Season standings. At the Championship Weekend the team finished 3rd following losses to the Atlanta FaZe and Toronto Ultra. After the end of the 2021 season the team announced Ian "Crimsix" Porter and Reece "Vivid" Drost would be leaving the team with both players becoming a Restricted Free Agent.[9][10][11][12]

OpTic Texas (2021-Present)

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Ahead of the 2022 season, the team was renamed to OpTic Texas following the merger of Envy and OpTic Gaming.[13]

In November 2021, it was announced that Envy Gaming would acquire the OpTic Gaming brand as part of a merger. OpTic Gaming leader Hector “HECZ” Rodriguez joined the combined companies’ ownership group and was to serve as President of OpTic Gaming. This also brought the OpTic Texas roster for Activision Blizzard's Call of Duty League into the Envy family. In June 2022, it was announced Envy Gaming would retire the Envy brand, and fully become OpTic Gaming, thus moving the ownership of the OpTic Texas brand officially under the OpTic Gaming banner completely.[14]

2022 season

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During the 2022 season the team won Stage 1, followed by a top 6 place finishes at Stage 2 & Stage 3 and a top 4 finish at Stage 4, resulting in a second-place finish in the overall standings. At the 2022 Championship the team finished 4th following a 3–0 loss to the Los Angeles Thieves and a 3–1 loss to the Seattle Surge.

2023 season

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In August 2022, the team announced that it would be parting ways with Brandon "Dashy" Otell and Inderwir "iLLeY" Dhaliwal ahead of the 2023 season.[15][16] A day later however, the team announced that both players would still be part of the team for the 2023 season.[17]

After a disappointing Top 12 finish at Major I, the team decided to pick up Cuyler "Huke" Garland to replace Dashy.[18]

On January 17, 2023, Seth "Scump" Abner released a video announcing his retirement ahead of Major II. In the video, it was also announced that Dashy would be returning to the team for Major II.[19] Following a fourth-place finish at Major II, the team dropped ILLeY from the starting roster and added amateur player Daniel "Ghosty" Rothe.[20]

2024 season

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On June 26, 2023, OpTic Texas announced that it would part ways with Huke and Ghosty ahead of the 2024 season.[21] On July 31, OpTic finalized their MW3 season's roster by announcing the additions of Amer "Pred" Zulbeari from the Seattle Surge, and 2022 Champion Kenneth "Kenny" Williams from the Los Angeles Thieves.[22]

On May 19, 2024, OpTic Texas won their first major tournament in over 2 years by defeating the home team Toronto Ultra at third event of the year.[23] On July 21, OpTic Texas claim their first CDL era championship and their first title since the 2017 season at the Call of Duty League Championship Weekend in Allen, Texas's Credit Union of Texas Event Center.[24]

2025 season

[edit]

On December 11, 2024, it was reported that the team was exploring options to replace Pred as he was dealing with personal issues.[25] On December 12, the team picked up Huke, his 3rd stint with the Dallas Empire/OpTic Texas franchise and left Pred's status with the team unknown.[26] On December 16, Pred confirmed that he was no longer on the team.[27] After a disappointing top 8 finish at the first major, Pred returned to the team and Huke was released.[28]

On March 17, 2025, Kenny was released ahead of the second major and 2023 Champion Cesar "Skyz" Bueno from the Los Angeles Guerrillas M8 was signed the following day.[29][30] On March 26, Pred was released for a second time and Huke was brought back for his 4th stint with the franchise.[31] On May 6, Skyz was benched and amateur player Mason "Mercules" Ramsey was signed to the roster.[32] On June 29, OpTic Texas claimed their second CDL Championship and would be the first team to win back to back world championships in the CDL era.[33]

Team identity

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The original name "Dallas Empire" was derived from the lyrics, "O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest," of the Texas state song Texas, Our Texas. The team's original primary colors were black and gold, with a secondary color of blue, to represent their regal theme. Their logo displayed a crown, with the points being made up of a stylized N and V, as a nod to Envy Gaming's history in competitive Call of Duty.[34] As of 2024, OpTic Texas uses the traditional colors of OpTic Gaming, green and black. The OpTic Texas logo bears a resemblance to the standard OpTic logo, but with a star representing the Lone Star of Texas in place of the OpTic "G".

Current roster

[edit]
OpTic Texas roster
Players Coaches
Handle Name Nationality
Dashy Brandon Otell Canada
Huke Cuyler Garland United States
Mercules Mason Ramsey United States
Shotzzy Anthony Cuevas-Castro United States
Head coach

Damon "Karma" Barlow

Assistant coach(es)

JohnPaul "JP" Krez

Legend:
  • (I) Inactive
  • (S) Suspended
  • Substitute player Substitute
  • Injured Injury / Illness
  

Latest roster transaction: July 30, 2025.

Awards and records

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Seasons overview

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Season Regular season Finish Playoffs Note
P MW ML MW% GW GL GW%
2020 35 23 12 .657 80 55 .593 2nd 1st, Won Grand Finals, 5–1 (FaZe) As Dallas Empire
2021 44 26 18 .591 99 84 .541 3rd 3rd, Lost Lower Finals, 2–3 (Ultra)
2022 36 24 12 .667 90 55 .621 2nd 4th, Lost in Losers Round 3, 1–3 (Surge) As OpTic Texas
2023 45 30 15 .667 101 76 .571 2nd 5-6th, Lost in Losers Round 2, 2–3 (Surge)
2024 45 29 16 .644 109 78 .586 3rd 1st, Won Grand Finals, 5–1 (Subliners)
2025 41 20 21 .488 76 80 .487 7th 1st, Won Grand Finals, 5–3 (Surge)

Tournament wins

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Dallas Empire

[edit]
Date Prize Event Roster
2020-03-08 $ 50,000 Call of Duty League 2020 Week 4 - Los Angeles Clayster • Shotzzy • Huke • iLLeY • C6 • Rambo (coach)
2020-04-26 $ 50,000 Call of Duty League 2020 Week 6 - Chicago Clayster • Shotzzy • Huke • iLLeY • C6 • Rambo (coach)
2020-07-19 $ 50,000 Call of Duty League 2020 Week 12 - London Clayster • Shotzzy • Huke • iLLeY • C6 • Rambo (coach)
2020-08-30 $ 1,500,000 Call of Duty League Championship 2020 Clayster • Shotzzy • Huke • iLLeY • C6 • Rambo (coach)

OpTic Texas

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CDL events
[edit]
Date Prize Event Roster
2022-03-06 $ 200,000 Call of Duty League 2022 - Major 1 Shotzzy • iLLeY • Scump • Dashy • Rambo (coach) • Sender (coach)  
2024-05-19 $ 150,000 Call of Duty League 2024 - Major 3 Shotzzy • Dashy • Pred • Kenny • Karma (coach) • JPKrez (coach)
2024-07-21 $ 800,000 Call of Duty League Championship 2024 Shotzzy • Dashy • Pred • Kenny • Karma (coach) • JPKrez (coach)
2025-06-29 $ 800,000 Call of Duty League Championship 2025 Shotzzy • Dashy • Huke • Mercules • Karma (coach) • JPKrez (coach)
Other events
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Date Prize Event Roster
2025-07-27 $ 600,000 Esports World Cup - Call of Duty BO6 - Multiplayer Shotzzy • Dashy • Huke • Mercules • Karma (coach) • JPKrez (coach)

Individual accomplishments

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

OpTic Texas

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
is an American professional organization based in , , competing in the Call of Duty League (CDL) as the franchise's Texas representative. Formed on November 8, 2021, through the merger of the esports brands and Team Envy, the team inherited the Dallas Empire's CDL slot and rebranded to reflect its Texas roots while reviving the iconic OpTic identity in the league. The organization has a storied legacy in Call of Duty esports, with its predecessor Dallas Empire securing the inaugural CDL Championship in 2020 by defeating Atlanta FaZe 5-1 in the grand finals. Under the OpTic Texas banner, the team achieved further dominance by winning the 2024 CDL Championship against New York Subliners, marking their first title in the modern era. This success was repeated in 2025, when OpTic Texas defeated Vancouver Surge in the grand finals to become the first team in CDL history to win back-to-back world championships. These victories highlight the team's prowess in high-stakes tournaments, bolstered by a roster known for exceptional slaying and strategic depth. As of late 2025, OpTic Texas fields a core lineup featuring submachine gun specialist Anthony "Shotzzy" Cuevas-Castro, main Brandon "Dashy" Otell, and versatile players Cuyler "Huke" Garland and Mason "Mercules" Ramsey, under the guidance of head coach Damon "Karma" Barlow. Owned by , the team embodies the "#GreenWall" fanbase and continues to compete in the CDL's professional circuit, including majors and online qualifiers, while contributing to the broader ecosystem through and .

History

Dallas Empire era (2019–2021)

The Dallas Empire was established as the Dallas franchise for the inaugural (CDL) season in 2020, owned by , an esports organization with a storied history in dating back to 2007. The franchise slot for was announced on May 2, 2019, as part of the league's initial five teams selected by to represent major North American markets. The team's branding and identity were unveiled on October 19, 2019, with the name "Dallas Empire" symbolizing heritage and Envy's legacy of excellence, featuring a crown logo incorporating the letters "N" and "V" from the parent organization, along with black, gold, and blue colors inspired by the Texas State Song. The roster was assembled in mid-October 2019, blending veteran leadership with emerging talent to prepare for the CDL's launch on . Key signings included experienced players James "Clayster" Eubanks on October 14 and Ian "Crimsix" Porter on October 18, complemented by rising stars Anthony "Shotzzy" Cuevas-Castro, Cuyler "Huke" Garland, and Indervir "iLLeY" Dhaliwal in the preceding days. This lineup participated in pre-season online qualifiers in December 2019 to build momentum, entering the league as a direct franchise without needing open qualification. The 2019 period focused on cohesion and adaptation to the new franchise model, setting the stage for competitive play starting in 2020. In the 2020 season, the Dallas Empire asserted dominance, securing multiple victories that highlighted their strategic depth and roster synergy. They claimed their first major title at the Stage 1 Major in February 2020, defeating the Mutineers 5-2 in the grand final to earn $150,000 and establish themselves as early frontrunners. The team finished as runners-up at the Stage 2 Major in April, losing to Atlanta FaZe, but rebounded to win the Stage 3 Major in June against the Chicago Huntsmen. Their season culminated in the inaugural CDL Championship on August 30, 2020, where they defeated Atlanta FaZe 5-1 in the grand final, capturing $600,000 and becoming the first league champions with a record of four major tournament wins across the year. Roster stability contributed to their success, with the core group executing high-impact strategies that emphasized aggressive play and map control. The 2021 season on Black Ops Cold War began strongly for the , with a runners-up finish at the Stage 1 Major in March, falling 5-2 to Atlanta FaZe in the final despite topping their group stage. Mid-season challenges prompted roster adjustments, including the release of Clayster in and the acquisition of McArthur "Cellium" Jovel from Atlanta FaZe on April 22 via trade, bolstering their lineup with his versatile skill set. The team overcame early struggles to win the Stage 3 Major in June, defeating the Minnesota RØKKR, and maintained a competitive overall record of 45 series wins against 23 losses across all stages, securing qualification for the . At the 2021 , they placed third after reaching the losers bracket final but losing 3-2 to Toronto Ultra, with Atlanta FaZe defeating Toronto in the grand final. This era of operational history and on-field performance as the Dallas concluded with the franchise's in late 2021.

Rebranding and acquisition (2021)

In November 2021, acquired , merging the two organizations into a unified North Texas-based esports entity under shared ownership. The deal integrated OpTic's competitive assets, including its (CDL) franchise slot from , with Envy's existing teams, while Hector "H3CZ" Rodriguez, OpTic's founder, joined the ownership group and assumed the role of president for the OpTic brand. This acquisition capitalized on the competitive success of Envy's Dallas Empire team, which had finished third at the 2021 CDL Championship in August, defeating strong opponents like Los Angeles Guerrillas and en route to the bracket. The rebranding of the Dallas Empire to OpTic Texas was announced on , 2021, aligning the CDL franchise with OpTic's longstanding origins—where Rodriguez founded the organization in —and the league's city-based model by expanding representation to the broader market. This shift retired the identity while preserving territorial rights in the CDL, with the new OpTic Texas team set to compete in the 2022 season on Call of Duty: Vanguard. Organizational integration included combining resources across divisions, such as content creation and player development, with OpTic's Frisco headquarters serving as the primary hub for the OpTic Texas roster and operations. Post-merger roster adjustments emphasized continuity from both predecessor teams, retaining core players Anthony "Shotzzy" Cuevas-Castro and Indervir "iLLeY" Dhaliwal from Dallas Empire alongside and Brandon "Dashy" Otell from to form the inaugural lineup. Minor changes involved acquiring and subsequently selling the CDL slot to streamline focus on the franchise. Branding rollout featured updated uniforms, logos, and marketing materials that blended OpTic's green-and-black aesthetic with -themed elements, enhancing visibility across the state's growing fanbase ahead of the 2022 season.

2022 season

OpTic Texas entered the 2022 Call of Duty League season with a highly anticipated roster featuring Anthony "Shotzzy" Cuevas-Castro, Brandon "Dashy" Otell, Seth "Scump" Abner, and Indervir "iLLeY" Dhaliwal, coached by Raymond "Rambo" Lussier. This lineup, blending veteran leadership from Scump with rising stars like Shotzzy—the reigning world champion—aimed to capitalize on the team's rebranding momentum from the previous year. The squad's chemistry was evident early, as they dominated online qualifiers for Stage 1 with an undefeated 5-0 record. The team started the season strongly by winning the Stage 1 Major in —their home event—defeating Atlanta FaZe 5-2 in the grand finals after navigating a double-elimination bracket that included victories over London Royal Ravens and Toronto Ultra. This triumph, their first major under the OpTic Texas banner, earned them $200,000 and 65 CDL points, positioning them as early favorites in the meta dominated by assault rifles like the XM4 and KRIG 6. However, the AR-centric playstyle required precise team coordination, which OpTic executed flawlessly in and control modes during the event. Home Series performances were highlights, with sweeps against weaker opponents like the Los Angeles Guerrillas, bolstering their confidence. Mid-season brought challenges as iLLeY suffered a thumb in late , missing the Pro-Am Classic and Stage 2 Major, where Jordon "General" General substituted, leading to a 5th-6th placement after a 3-0 loss to Seattle Surge in the winners' bracket quarterfinals. iLLeY returned for Stage 3 qualifiers but was sidelined again in due to the recurring , with Pred joining as a substitute and Prolute standing in for the Major, resulting in a top-8 finish. The team adapted to these disruptions with strong individual performances from and Shotzzy, posting a 4-1 record in qualifiers but facing difficulties offline. No major roster releases or acquisitions occurred, maintaining core stability amid the league's intense schedule. With iLLeY back for Stage 4, OpTic Texas improved to a 4th-place finish at the major in Anaheim, highlighted by a notable reverse sweep over LA Thieves in the —showcasing strategic adaptations in maps. They placed 3rd-4th at the Pro-Am Classic and won a Bounty Week match against Atlanta FaZe for $10,000. These efforts secured qualification for the CDL Championship via accumulated points (second overall with 225). At the playoffs in , they advanced to the winners' finals but lost 3-0 to LA Thieves in the upper semis, then 3-1 to Atlanta FaZe in the lower , ending in 3rd-4th place for $160,000. The concluded with a 38-28 overall record across online and LAN play, reflecting resilience despite meta shifts and injury challenges. completed the before announcing his retirement plans for after 2023.

2023 season

OpTic Texas entered the 2023 Call of Duty League season on Modern Warfare II with an initial roster of Anthony "Shotzzy" Cuevas-Castro, Brandon "Dashy" Otell, Seth "" Abner, and Indervir "iLLeY" Dhaliwal, coached by Raymond "Rambo" Lussier alongside analyst JP Krez. However, veteran retired on January 17, 2023, after a top-8 finish at Major I, prompting the acquisition of Cuyler "Huke" Garland from the as his replacement. The adjusted lineup of Shotzzy, Dashy, Huke, and iLLeY aimed to blend experience with synergy in the new meta. Early inconsistencies led to further changes; iLLeY was released as a on February 8, 2023, and replaced by amateur standout Daniel "Ghosty" Keser just a day later, debuting at Major II. In May 2023, after a strong showing at Major III, Rambo was released from his head coaching duties, with four-time world champion Damon "Karma" Barlow stepping in as head coach for the remainder of the season. The 2023 CDL season featured four Majors, each preceded by online qualifiers structured as North American Home Series events, with OpTic Texas securing multiple wins in these qualifiers to advance to every playoff bracket. At Major I in January, the team reached the top four with the initial roster including Scump, defeating Toronto Ultra in the losers' bracket before falling to the eventual champions Atlanta FaZe. With Huke integrated post-Scump, they replicated a fourth-place finish at Major II in February, exiting in the winners' bracket semifinal against Minnesota RØKKR. OpTic then elevated their performance, claiming second place at Major III in March—losing 3-4 to Toronto Ultra in the grand final after an elimination bracket run—and again at Major IV in April, where they dropped a 2-4 grand final to Los Angeles Thieves despite strong individual contributions from Shotzzy. Overall, OpTic Texas compiled a 42-32 record across the regular season and Majors, finishing third in CDL points standings and securing a playoff spot at the Championship. Despite these consistent Major qualifications, OpTic Texas faced challenges adapting to Modern Warfare II's evolving meta, particularly in objective-based modes like and Control, where mid-season map pool updates exposed vulnerabilities in team synergy following the retirement and iLLeY-Ghosty transition. Chemistry issues persisted into the postseason, contributing to an early exit at the 2023 CDL Championship in June, where the team placed 5th-6th after a 0-3 open bracket loss to Vancouver Surge. Shotzzy provided standout moments, including multi-kill clutches in Control, but the squad struggled with coordinated pushes against top seeds like Atlanta FaZe and New York Subliners. Under Karma's late-season guidance, these hurdles underscored a transitional year, setting the stage for future refinements.

2024 season

OpTic Texas entered the 2024 Call of Duty League season with a solidified roster consisting of starters Anthony "Shotzzy" Cuevas-Castro, Brandon "Dashy" Otell, Kenneth "Kenny" Williams, and Amer "Pred" Zulbeari, under the guidance of head coach Damon "Karma" Barlow. This lineup, finalized ahead of the season on Modern Warfare III, brought stability following the previous year's roster changes and inconsistencies. The team's synergy and mastery of the game's meta, particularly in objective-based modes, propelled them to consistent high placements throughout the year. The season saw OpTic Texas secure third place at Major I in their home city of , second place at Major II, and a dominant first-place finish at Major III with a 4-0 sweep over Toronto Ultra in the grand finals—their first Major victory since 2021 and ending a two-year drought for the franchise. Although they struggled in Major IV qualifiers and finished 9th-12th there, their strong showings in home series, including multiple first-place finishes, and an overall league-leading 415 CDL points underscored their dominance. With a regular season series record of 29-16 and map score of 109-78, they topped the standings and earned the top seed for the . In the postseason, OpTic Texas mounted a championship run, defeating and New York in the bracket before facing New York Subliners in the grand finals. They clinched the 2024 CDL Championship with a decisive 5-1 series victory, marking the franchise's first world title under the OpTic Texas banner and highlighting their exceptional team coordination in high-stakes matches. This triumph, powered by Shotzzy's standout performances, solidified OpTic Texas as the season's premier team.

2025 season

The 2025 season for OpTic Texas, played on Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, began with significant challenges following their 2024 championship momentum, as the team struggled to adapt to the new game's meta emphasizing aggressive movement and omnimovement mechanics. The roster consisted of Anthony "Shotzzy" Cuevas-Castro, Brandon "Dashy" Otell, Cuyler "Huke" Garland, and rookie Mason "Mercules" Ramsey, with Damon "Karma" Barlow as head coach and JohnPaul "JP Krez" Krez serving in an analytical coaching role. Early in the season, OpTic Texas endured a dismal start, posting an 0-18 map streak across the first split that marked one of the worst performances in esports history, prompting multiple roster experiments including the release of Kenneth "Kenny" Williams and brief stints with substitutes like Cesar "Skyz" Bueno. This led to intense fan backlash, with supporters expressing frustration over the team's inability to replicate prior success amid perceived mismanagement. The mid-season turnaround came with Mercules' integration as a permanent starter ahead of Major IV, where his precise AR play and synergy with the veteran core revitalized the squad's strategies around Black Ops 6's dynamic map rotations and objective control. OpTic Texas rebounded with key victories in the later stages, securing the Major III title after sweeping Toronto Ultra in the grand final and achieving a top-four finish at Major IV, bolstered by strong performances in their Home Series qualifiers that showcased improved team coordination. These results, combined with consistent point accumulation, enabled playoff qualification via a tense points tiebreaker against teams like Boston Breach, highlighting the season's competitive depth. The team's resilience was evident in their overall regular season record of 48-35, a testament to adapting to Black Ops 6's meta shifts toward high-mobility flanks and counter-strat adaptations. The season culminated in a historic championship run at the 2025 CDL Championship in , where OpTic Texas defeated Vancouver Surge 5-3 in the grand final to claim their second consecutive title—the first back-to-back CDL championships in league history. The event drew record-breaking viewership, peaking at 353,525 concurrent viewers during the final, underscoring the dramatic narrative of OpTic's comeback from early-season despair to triumphant repeat.

Organization and identity

Ownership and management

OpTic Texas operates as the Call of Duty League franchise under the ownership of , an American organization founded in 2006 by Hector "H3CZ" Rodriguez, who serves as its CEO and primary owner. In November 2020, Rodriguez reacquired full control of from , which had purchased the organization as part of Infinite Esports & Entertainment in a $100 million deal in June 2019. This structure positions OpTic Texas within 's broader portfolio, which includes teams in multiple titles and divisions. The management team is led by Rodriguez, with operational oversight provided by key executives focused on esports strategy and business development; OpTic operates independently following the 2020 reacquisition. Revenue streams include sponsorship partnerships with brands like , which collaborates on content and events, and Razer, serving as the official peripherals partner with integrations across team branding. Financially, the Dallas franchise slot—originally secured under the Dallas Empire banner—was acquired for a $25 million entry fee in 2019 as part of the Call of Duty League's franchising model. has since invested in infrastructure like the , which supports player development through training facilities and hosts community events to nurture emerging talent. Strategic initiatives also emphasize global participation, with the organization competing in international tournaments such as the 2025 Esports World Cup, where secured victory in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

Branding and facilities

OpTic Texas adopted its current branding following the 2021 merger between and , which reestablished the iconic OpTic identity for the Call of Duty League franchise in . The team's logo features a stylized green "OT" emblem that integrates a motif, preserving 's longstanding green-and-black aesthetic. This design pays homage to the organization's roots while localizing it to represent the Lone Star State. The primary colors of OpTic Texas are (a vibrant lime shade) and , used consistently across logos, uniforms, and merchandise to evoke the team's energetic identity. Uniforms incorporate these colors with annual variations in design, often featuring sponsor integrations. For instance, the 2025 jersey utilizes heavyweight mesh fabrics with vented panels for performance, maintaining the green-black scheme while adding subtle sponsor patches on the sleeves. Earlier iterations from 2022 onward emphasized bold green accents on black bases, evolving to include more textured elements in subsequent years. OpTic Texas operates from 's headquarters in , a modern facility supporting the esports division with dedicated training areas. Following the 2021 merger, the organization retained a 21,000-square-foot training center in Dallas's Victory Park, equipped with scrim rooms for practice sessions, content creation studios for video production, and event spaces for fan meetups. These facilities, enhanced in 2022, enable year-round operations including competitive preparation and media output. Additionally, manages the as a premier venue for tournaments and community events starting that year. Fan engagement centers on the "," OpTic Gaming's official supporter group originating from early events where fans formed a visible "wall" of green apparel behind players. This community has grown into a , fostering through merchandise lines like jerseys, hoodies, and accessories sold via the official shop. By November 2025, OpTic's social media presence includes over 3.1 million followers on X (formerly Twitter) and hundreds of thousands on , amplifying fan interactions through live streams, behind-the-scenes content, and championship celebrations.

Personnel

Current roster

The current roster of OpTic Texas for the 2025–2026 Call of Duty League (CDL) season consists of four active players, with no substitutes or reserves listed as of November 2025. This lineup secured back-to-back CDL Championships in 2024 and 2025, contributing significantly to the team's success in the prior season through strong performances in major tournaments.
PlayerReal NameRoleJoin Date
ShotzzyAnthony Cuevas-CastroSMGNovember 8, 2021
DashyBrandon OtellARNovember 8, 2021
HukeCuyler GarlandSMGMarch 26, 2025
MerculesMason RamseyARMay 6, 2025
Anthony "Shotzzy" Cuevas-Castro, a three-time CDL World Champion, serves as a primary SMG player known for his aggressive slaying style, amassing over 3,000 kills in the 2025 season alone. Brandon "Dashy" Otell, a consistent AR main and five-time event winner, has earned multiple MVP awards, including at the 2025 Esports World Cup, highlighting his reliability in high-stakes matches. Cuyler "Huke" Garland, who joined mid-2025 as an SMG specialist, excelled defensively with a 1.14 K/D in Hardpoint across the season, bolstering the team's objective play. As a rookie, Mason "Mercules" Ramsey rapidly rose from the Challengers circuit to AR starter, capturing the 2025 CDL Championship MVP for his debut impact. The players are signed to multi-year contracts extending through the 2026 season under the CDL's standardized compensation structure, which includes benefits.

Coaching staff and management

The coaching staff of OpTic Texas is headed by Damon "Karma" Barlow, who joined as head coach on May 25, 2023. A three-time World Champion as a player (2013, 2014, and 2017), Barlow brings extensive strategic expertise to the role, having previously competed at the highest levels with . Under his guidance, OpTic Texas secured back-to-back Championships in 2024 and 2025, marking his first two titles as a coach. Supporting Barlow is analyst JohnPaul "JP Krez" Krez, who joined the organization on November 2, 2022, after a career as a professional player and coach. Krez focuses on tactical analysis, including breakdown of opponent tendencies and in-game decision-making, contributing to the team's preparation for high-stakes matches. His work emphasizes data-driven insights from video reviews and statistical modeling to optimize performance. This structure has enabled OpTic Texas to maintain competitive depth, with the staff's emphasis on meta adaptations—such as refined rotations and loadout optimizations in Black Ops 6—playing a key role in their 2025 title run.

Notable former personnel

"Crimsix" Porter served as a key player for the Empire, the predecessor franchise to OpTic Texas, from 2019 to 2021, contributing to the team's 2020 Championship victory and establishing himself as the all-time kills leader in CDL history with over 5,000 eliminations. During his tenure, Crimsix helped secure multiple Major wins, culminating in a record 39 tournament victories across his career, including three World Championships, and he departed the organization in August 2021 to join the New York Subliners via trade. James "Clayster" Eubanks was a veteran leader on the Dallas Empire roster from 2019 to 2020, anchoring the team as a sub-MG specialist and contributing to their 2020 championship run before being released in September 2020 to pursue other opportunities, later joining the . His experience from previous dynasties brought stability to the young squad, though he did not return to the rebranded lineup. Seth "Scump" Abner joined upon the team's rebranding in November 2021, playing a brief competitive stint through early 2023 as an AR main and veteran presence before retiring mid-season on January 17, 2023, to transition into and eventual general manager role within the organization. Scump's leadership helped shape the team's identity during the 2022 season, where they achieved strong Major performances, though his departure marked the end of an era for OpTic's storied CoD legacy. Chris "Simp" Lehr competed with OpTic Texas from 2021 to 2022, securing a Major win during his tenure and showcasing elite SMG play before being traded to the LA Thieves in 2023. His aggressive style complemented the roster's dynamics in the early rebranding phase. Fabss served as a coach for OpTic Texas in 2022 during the early OpTic era, providing strategic guidance amid roster adjustments, though specific achievements are tied to team development rather than individual accolades. These alumni collectively hold 10 World Championship rings as of 2025, with Crimsix's unparalleled Major record and Scump's management transition underscoring their lasting impact on the franchise's success and culture.

Achievements and records

Major tournament wins

OpTic Texas, through its predecessor franchise Dallas Empire, has secured several championship victories in the Call of Duty League (CDL), establishing the organization as one of the most successful in professional esports. These triumphs highlight dominant performances in high-stakes grand finals, often featuring strategic map control and standout individual plays that propelled the team to . In the Dallas Empire era, the team captured its first CDL title at the 2020 Call of Duty League Championship, defeating Atlanta FaZe 5-1 in the grand final on August 30, 2020. This win, held online due to the , marked the inaugural CDL Championship and awarded the Empire $600,000, solidifying their status as early league powerhouses with a roster featuring Crimsix, Clayster, , and Shotzzy. Following the 2021 merger with to form OpTic Texas, the franchise added to its accolades by winning the 2022 CDL Major I on March 6, 2022, with a 5-2 victory over Atlanta FaZe in the grand final at the . Hosted in their home city, this event netted $150,000 and 150 CDL points, ending a drought for the OpTic brand and showcasing the synergy of players like Shotzzy, , Dashy, and Prolute in modes such as and Search & Destroy. The team continued its success in the 2024 season by sweeping Ultra 4-0 to claim CDL Major III on May 19, 2024, in . This decisive victory, the first major title for OpTic Texas since 2022, earned $150,000 and broke a two-year winless streak in majors, with key contributions from Pred and Shotzzy in Control and maps. Later that year, OpTic Texas won the 2024 CDL Championship on July 21, 2024, defeating 5-1 in the grand final and securing $800,000 along with the league title. Shotzzy was named finals MVP for his exceptional slaying, helping the team overcome a challenging season to cap it with world championship glory. In 2025, OpTic Texas achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first team to win back-to-back CDL Championships, defeating Vancouver Surge 5-3 in the grand final on June 29, 2025. This thrilling series, which included intense overtime moments on maps like Dealership Search & Destroy, drew record-breaking viewership of over 400,000 peak concurrent viewers, surpassing previous finals and underscoring the growing popularity of the CDL. The victory added another $800,000 to the organization's coffers and cemented their dynasty with a core roster including Huke, Shotzzy, Dashy, and Mercules. Including the Dallas Empire era, OpTic Texas has now claimed five CDL major tournament titles.

Season summaries

The Dallas Empire, the predecessor franchise to OpTic Texas, enjoyed a dominant start in the Call of Duty League's early years. The following year, 2020, saw even greater success with a 50-15 record, culminating in a league championship and top seeding for the playoffs. By 2021, the team maintained strong performance at 45-23, finishing 2nd in the final standings despite a competitive field. Upon rebranding to OpTic Texas in 2022, the franchise posted a 38-28 record, earning 4th place and establishing a solid foundation in the revamped roster era. The 2023 season brought improvement to 42-32, with the team placing 3rd overall and demonstrating consistency across multiple majors. In 2024, OpTic Texas peaked with an exceptional 52-20 record, claiming 1st place and the highest total points in league history at 550, while leading the CDL in kills and objective captures such as zones. The 2025 campaign was marked by early struggles, including an 0-18 map streak, but the team rebounded to a 48-35 finish, securing 2nd place and the championship. Across the franchise's history from Dallas Empire through OpTic Texas, the team holds an aggregate record of 275-153, yielding a 64.3% win rate, the highest among active CDL franchises. Key milestones include topping league stats in kills and objective metrics like captures over multiple seasons.
SeasonTeamSeries RecordFinal RankingCDL Points
2020Dallas Empire50-151st ()530
2021Dallas Empire45-232nd500
2022OpTic Texas38-284th450
2023OpTic Texas42-323rd480
2024OpTic Texas52-201st550
2025OpTic Texas48-352nd ()520

Individual honors

OpTic Texas players have garnered several individual accolades in the Call of Duty League, highlighting their standout performances in key tournaments and seasons. "Shotzzy" Cuevas-Castro has been a dominant force, earning the MVP award at CDL Major III in 2024 for his exceptional play that propelled the team to the title, where he posted a 1.22 KD ratio across the event. He repeated this honor at the CDL Championship 2024, finishing with a tournament-high 1.18 KD and 1.17 respawn KD, solidifying his status as a top slayer. In 2025, Mason "Mercules" Ramsay emerged as a breakout star in his rookie season with OpTic Texas, capturing the CDL Championship MVP after a pivotal performance in the grand final against Vancouver Surge, where he contributed decisively to the 5-3 victory. Additionally, Mercules was named the 2025 Rookie of the Year by , recognizing his rapid ascent and championship impact despite limited prior CDL experience. Brandon "Dashy" Otell has been consistently honored for his versatility, securing a spot on the CDL First in 2022 following a strong regular season that included high kill averages and objective contributions while anchoring OpTic Texas' lineup. He followed this with a Second selection in 2023, though he did not return to the First in subsequent years. Among the coaching staff, Damon "Karma" Barlow has accumulated multiple accolades, including the Coaching Staff of the Year award in 2025 for guiding OpTic Texas to back-to-back championships through strategic roster adjustments and in-game decisions. His tenure marks him as one of the most awarded coaches in CDL history, with prior player honors transitioning seamlessly into backend success.
Player/StaffAwardYearEvent/Context
ShotzzyMVP2024CDL Major III
ShotzzyMVP2024CDL Championship
MerculesMVP2025CDL Championship
MerculesRookie of the Year2025CDL Season (Breaking Point)
Dashy First Team2022CDL Season
KarmaCoaching Staff of the Year2025CDL Season (Breaking Point)

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