FaZe Vegas Set To Host CDL Championship Weekend In Las Vegas

The Call of Duty League (CDL) is bringing its electrifying Championship Weekend back to the bright lights of Las Vegas, and this time, it’s bigger and bolder than ever. Set to unfold from July 16th to 19th, 2026, the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino will be buzzing with anticipation as the world’s top Call of Duty teams descend on Sin City for the league’s most prestigious event. With a seating capacity ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 depending on configuration, fans can expect a high-octane atmosphere worthy of esports’ grandest stage.

This year’s CDL Championship Weekend marks several historic firsts. Not only is it the second time Las Vegas will host the event—following the memorable 2023 showdown at the Thomas & Mack Centre—but it’s also the debut of FaZe Vegas as the official host and production lead. FaZe Vegas, the newly rebranded identity of the former Atlanta FaZe, is now a joint venture between Atlanta Esports Ventures and GameSquare Holdings. The organization’s move to Las Vegas at the end of 2025 signaled a fresh chapter for the franchise, and hosting the Championship is a fitting way to cap off its inaugural season in its new home city.

FaZe Vegas wasted no time getting fans hyped for the event, rolling out a presale ticket campaign that saw eager supporters signing up at fazevegas.com for early access. On January 30th, presale tickets became available at 10 AM CST, with the general public gaining access at 3 PM CST the same day. The rush for seats was palpable, with the CDL faithful eager to secure their spots for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of esports drama.

The CDL’s competitive roadmap for 2026, released in September 2025, sets the stage for a truly global season. Major I is set for Dallas, hosted by Optic Texas, while Major II heads across the Atlantic to DreamHack Birmingham from March 27th to 29th. Major III returns stateside in Atlanta, and Major IV will bring the action to Paris, before the grand finale in Las Vegas. This international flair highlights the league’s continued growth and ambition, especially after 2025’s successful foray into Canada with the Waterloo Region hosting the first CDL event outside the United States.

Las Vegas has a storied history with esports, and the Michelob Ultra Arena is no stranger to high-profile gaming spectacles. The venue famously hosted the Evo fighting game event in 2022, marking the first Evo after the COVID-19 pandemic. Its direct connection to Mandalay Bay Resort ensures that fans and players alike will be immersed in luxury and convenience, making for a seamless championship experience.

As for the competition itself, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The top eight franchises from the regular CDL season will battle it out in a double-elimination bracket, all vying for the coveted title of world champions. FaZe Clan, the predecessor to FaZe Vegas, is no stranger to success at Champs, having lifted the trophy in 2021. The 2023 edition in Las Vegas saw the New York Subliners dominate Toronto Ultra in a stunning 5-0 grand final, a performance still fresh in the minds of fans as they speculate who will seize glory this time around.

The CDL is now entering its sixth year as a franchised league, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing. The 2025 Championship shattered viewership records for the league, peaking at over 350,000 concurrent viewers during the Grand Final. This surge in popularity is a testament to the league’s growing global footprint and the passionate community driving it forward. However, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. The current season’s competitive title, Black Ops 7, has faced criticism for record-low sales and mixed community sentiment. Yet, as the first Major of the season approaches, optimism is in the air that the excitement of live events and the drama of Championship Weekend will reignite fan enthusiasm.

According to CDL officials, "This year’s Champs is set to be the most exciting yet, with a world-class venue, elite competition, and a city that knows how to put on a show." The league’s decision to return to Las Vegas reflects a commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences for both players and fans. The city’s reputation for entertainment, combined with the state-of-the-art facilities at Michelob Ultra Arena, creates the perfect backdrop for esports’ biggest party.

Ticket sales have already sparked a frenzy, with fans eager to witness the action firsthand. The presale, which kicked off at 10 AM CST on January 30th, gave early registrants a five-hour head start over the general public, who flooded the ticket portals at 3 PM CST. With the Michelob Ultra Arena’s 10,000-seat capacity expected to fill quickly, those hoping to catch the action live are urged to act fast.

For FaZe Vegas, hosting the Championship is more than just a logistical achievement—it’s a statement of intent. The organization’s rebranding and relocation to Las Vegas were bold moves, signaling a desire to cement itself at the heart of the North American esports scene. By taking the reins for CDL’s showpiece event, FaZe Vegas aims to set a new standard for production and fan engagement, leveraging its deep connections with sponsors and partners to deliver a spectacle worthy of the occasion.

The backdrop of Las Vegas adds an extra layer of excitement. With its dazzling lights, world-class entertainment, and reputation as a global destination for major events, the city is tailor-made for an esports extravaganza. The synergy between the CDL and Las Vegas is evident, as both share a passion for high stakes, big moments, and unforgettable memories.

Looking ahead, the 2026 CDL Championship Weekend is shaping up to be a landmark event in the league’s history. With a global competitive roadmap, a star-studded field of teams, and a host city that knows how to turn up the heat, fans can expect wall-to-wall action, drama, and the kind of moments that define esports greatness.

As the countdown to July 16th begins, all eyes are on Las Vegas and the Michelob Ultra Arena. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter of FaZe Vegas, a hopeful fan of a rival franchise, or just an esports enthusiast looking for a show, this year’s CDL Champs promises something for everyone. The stage is set, the tickets are selling fast, and the world is watching. Let the games begin!