Atlanta FaZe
Atlanta FaZe was an American professional esports team based in Atlanta, Georgia, that represented the city in the Call of Duty League (CDL) from the league's inaugural 2020 season through the end of 2025.[1] Owned and operated by Atlanta Esports Ventures—a joint venture between Cox Enterprises and Province, Inc.—in partnership with FaZe Clan, the franchise was established in May 2019 as one of the original 12 CDL teams.[2][3] The team built a legacy of excellence in competitive Call of Duty, leveraging FaZe Clan's global brand and AEV's local infrastructure to become a powerhouse in the esports scene.[4] Throughout its six seasons as Atlanta FaZe, the organization achieved remarkable success, amassing a record seven CDL Major wins, one CDL Championship (2021), and other major tournament victories such as the 2024 Esports World Cup.[5][1] Key victories included the 2021 CDL Championship in Black Ops Cold War, where they defeated the Dallas Empire in the grand finals, and the 2024 Esports World Cup title.[1] In the 2025 Black Ops 6 season, Atlanta FaZe dominated early by winning Major 1 and Major 2, securing top seeding for the playoffs and finishing 5th–6th in the CDL Championship, won by OpTic Texas.[1][6] The team's consistent playoff appearances—reaching at least the semifinals in every season—and record for most stage titles underscored their strategic depth and player talent.[1] Atlanta FaZe's roster evolved over the years but featured star players who became synonymous with the franchise's success, including sniper McArthur "Cellium" Jovel, who joined in 2020, and versatile stars like Chris "Simp" Lehr and Tyler "aBeZy" Pharris.[1] By 2025, the core lineup of aBeZy, Cellium, Simp, and Zack "Drazah" Jordan had gelled into a formidable unit, topping the league standings mid-season and advancing to the Major 4 grand finals despite a mid-year dip.[1] This group not only delivered on-field results but also contributed to FaZe Clan's broader esports ecosystem, including content creation and fan engagement through home series events at Atlanta's Gateway Center Arena.[7] In September 2025, following the conclusion of the season, Atlanta Esports Ventures and FaZe Clan announced the franchise's relocation to Las Vegas, Nevada, ahead of the 2026 CDL campaign, where it rebranded as FaZe Vegas while retaining core elements of its identity and partial roster.[8] The move marked the end of Atlanta FaZe's era as the city's flagship CDL team but preserved its legacy within FaZe Clan's expanding portfolio, which includes operations across multiple esports titles.[8]History
Inception and franchise acquisition
On May 2, 2019, Activision Blizzard announced Atlanta as one of the first five host cities for its new franchised Call of Duty League (CDL), with Atlanta Esports Ventures (AEV) securing the franchise slot as the operating entity.[9][10] AEV had been formed the previous year in 2018 as a joint venture between Cox Enterprises—a media conglomerate based in Atlanta—and Province, Inc., an investment firm, to spearhead esports initiatives in the city.[11][12] The partnership that would define the team's identity came on October 26, 2019, when AEV announced a collaboration with FaZe Clan, a prominent esports organization known for its Call of Duty roster and global brand.[2][3] This alliance resulted in the creation of the Atlanta FaZe, blending FaZe Clan's competitive expertise and branding with AEV's local infrastructure to operate the franchise ahead of the league's 2020 launch.[2] As part of the reveal, the initial roster was unveiled, featuring prominent players including Chris "Simp" Lehr, Tyler "aBeZy" Pharris, McArthur "Cellium" Jovel, Preston "Priestahh" Greiner, and Michael "MajorManiak" Szymaniak, many of whom brought recent championship experience from prior teams.[3][13] Pre-season preparations ramped up immediately, including the conversion of a 15,000-square-foot facility in Atlanta's West Midtown neighborhood into a shared training space for the Atlanta FaZe and AEV's other esports team, the Atlanta Reign, to support player development and operations.[2]2020 inaugural season
The Atlanta FaZe entered the inaugural season of the Call of Duty League (CDL) in January 2020 as one of the league's 12 franchise teams, competing in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The team quickly established itself as a frontrunner during Launch Weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they secured victories over the Dallas Empire and New York Subliners. On January 25, FaZe defeated Dallas 3-0, dominating with wins in Azhir Cave Hardpoint (250-234), Arklov Peak Search & Destroy (6-0), and Gun Runner Domination (188-118). The following day, they overcame New York 3-1, taking Gun Runner Hardpoint (250-211), Piccadilly Search & Destroy (6-0), and St. Petrograd Hardpoint (250-122) after dropping Hackney Yard Domination (201-136). These results propelled FaZe to a 2-0 series record and a share of first place in the weekend standings, earning 20 CDL points and signaling their potential dominance.[14] The team's roster provided a strong foundation, anchored by the core trio of main AR players Tyler "aBeZy" Pharris, Chris "Simp" Lehr, and McArthur "Cellium" Jovel, complemented by sub AR Michael "MajorManiak" Szymaniak and SMG specialist Preston "Priestahh" Greiner. This lineup, announced in October 2019, remained stable throughout the season, fostering cohesive dynamics built on prior successes from eUnited and FaZe Clan lineups. aBeZy's veteran leadership, Simp's aggressive playstyle—highlighted by his MVP performance at the 2019 World Championship—and Cellium's rising star potential created a balanced unit that emphasized objective control and slaying efficiency, contributing to FaZe's consistent top performances in early events.[15] The season faced significant disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the CDL to cancel all remaining in-person home series on March 12, 2020, and transition to fully online qualifiers. This shift to remote play introduced technical challenges like latency issues and disrupted team preparations, yet FaZe adapted effectively, maintaining their lead in the regular season standings with a 26-7 record. The online format led to a bracket-style playoff structure for the remainder of events, where FaZe continued to excel, winning multiple home series equivalents and establishing early rivalries, particularly with the Dallas Empire—whom they faced repeatedly, including a 3-2 loss in the Winner's Bracket final—and OpTic Gaming Los Angeles, reigniting a historic Call of Duty rivalry through intense matchups like a 3-0 group stage win at the Atlanta Home Series.[16][17][18] FaZe entered the 2020 CDL Championship as the top seed with a two-round bye, ultimately securing a top-4 finish by reaching the grand final. They advanced past the Chicago Huntsmen in the Winner's Bracket semifinals before falling 3-2 to Dallas in the final round, then lost 5-1 to Dallas in the championship match on August 30, earning $900,000 in prize money for second place. This runner-up result underscored FaZe's strong debut year, blending high-level execution with resilience amid unprecedented challenges.[17]2021 championship season
The Atlanta FaZe entered the 2021 Call of Duty League season as the top seed from the previous year, building on their core roster of aBeZy, Simp, Cellium, and Arcitys to establish early dominance. The season marked a transition to Black Ops Cold War as the primary title, with the team maintaining roster stability throughout, forgoing major adjustments amid their consistent performance. This continuity allowed them to focus on refining team synergy, positioning them as frontrunners from the outset.[19] Atlanta FaZe secured victory in the Stage 1 Major, held online from February 27 to March 7, defeating the Dallas Empire—rebranded as OpTic Texas for the season—in the grand final by a 5-2 score, earning $200,000 and 75 CDL points. Despite a runner-up finish in Stage 2, where they fell 3-5 to Toronto Ultra in the April online event, the team rebounded strongly. They claimed the Stage 3 Major on May 16, overcoming the New York Subliners 5-2 in the grand final for another $200,000 and 75 points. Continuing their momentum, Atlanta FaZe won the Stage 4 Major in June, defeating OpTic Texas 5-3 in the in-person grand final at Esports Stadium Arlington, securing yet another $200,000 and 75 points. These triumphs across three of the first four majors solidified their status as the league's most consistent contender.[20][21][22] The team's path to the CDL Championship in August culminated in their first world title, held in-person at the Infinite Energy Center in Duluth, Georgia. As the number one seed with 465 CDL points, Atlanta FaZe advanced through the winners bracket, defeating OpTic Chicago 3-0 in the semifinals and OpTic Texas 3-1 in the winners final. In the grand final against Toronto Ultra, who had fought through the losers bracket, Atlanta FaZe prevailed 5-3 across maps including Hardpoint on Moscow, Search & Destroy on Raid, and Control on Amsterdam, clinching $1.2 million and the championship trophy. This victory marked FaZe Clan's first CDL world title and highlighted their ability to close out high-stakes series.[23][24] Atlanta FaZe's success stemmed from strategic adaptations to Black Ops Cold War's mechanics, emphasizing aggressive slaying and map control in objective modes. They excelled in Hardpoint and Control, leveraging fast rotations and coordinated pushes to outpace opponents, as seen in their dominant performances on maps like Checkpoint and Satellite. Early in the season, residual Modern Warfare influences lingered in training, but the team quickly optimized for Cold War's faster time-to-kill and movement, prioritizing SMG setups for close-quarters dominance. Their balanced lineup—combining veteran experience with youthful aggression—enabled flexible role-swapping, particularly in respawn modes where they maintained high kill differentials.[25][26] The resumption of in-person events post-COVID significantly boosted Atlanta FaZe's campaign, with Stage 4 Major on June 17 marking the league's return to LAN after 15 months of online play due to the pandemic. This shift improved team communication and reduced latency issues, allowing the FaZe to execute precise strategies in live settings, as evidenced by their Stage 4 win and subsequent championship performance. The in-person format at Champs, with strict health protocols including vaccination proof or negative tests, fostered a competitive atmosphere that amplified their preparation edge over rivals still adjusting to the change.[27][28][29]2022–2024 seasons
The 2022 season for Atlanta FaZe marked a transition to Call of Duty: Vanguard as the competitive title, following the league's shift from Black Ops Cold War. The team entered the year with a roster featuring aBeZy, Simp, Cellium, and Dashy, building on their prior success but facing increased competition in a 12-team league. They achieved a Major 3 victory in June, defeating Toronto Ultra in the grand finals to secure their first title of the season. Despite strong regular-season qualifiers, FaZe finished as runners-up at the CDL Championship in August, losing 5-2 to OpTic Texas after a dominant run through the bracket. These results highlighted the team's adaptability to Vanguard's mechanics, though roster stability was tested by mid-season adjustments to optimize roles. Heading into 2023 on Modern Warfare II, Atlanta FaZe underwent a key roster trade in August 2022, acquiring Pred from Seattle Surge in exchange for Dashy to refresh their lineup amid league expansions that intensified rivalries. The updated roster of aBeZy, Simp, Cellium, and Pred delivered a Major 2 win in February, overcoming LA Thieves 4-2 in the Boston grand finals for their second consecutive Major title. However, the season saw inconsistencies, with early playoff exits including a third-place finish at Major 1 and elimination in the Stage 4 Major semifinals, reflecting challenges in adapting to Modern Warfare II's faster-paced maps and gunplay. At the CDL Championship, FaZe exited in the top 6, underscoring a transitional year marked by high peaks but broader competitive pressures from emerging squads. The 2024 season on Modern Warfare III saw Atlanta FaZe return to a core trio of aBeZy, Simp, and Cellium, bolstered by the addition of Drazah, who joined as a free agent after Pred's departure to address prior inconsistencies. This lineup secured a Major 2 victory in March, defeating rivals OpTic Texas 4-1 in the Miami grand finals to reclaim momentum. FaZe maintained consistent top-4 finishes across qualifiers and majors, placing 5th/6th at the CDL Championship in July after a competitive playoff run. Off-season, they achieved international success by winning the 2024 Esports World Cup title in Modern Warfare III. These achievements navigated ongoing challenges like roster integrations and the league's evolving meta, solidifying FaZe's status amid a crowded field.[30]2025 season
The Atlanta FaZe entered the 2025 Call of Duty League season with roster continuity from 2024, featuring the core lineup of aBeZy, Simp, Cellium, and Drazah for the Black Ops 6 era.[1] This stability allowed the team to focus on refining their synergy early in the year. The squad started strongly by capturing Major 1 in February 2025, defeating the LA Thieves in a decisive grand finals series to secure their first title of the season.[31] Building on that momentum, Atlanta FaZe won Major 2 the following month, sweeping the Vancouver Surge 4-0 in the grand finals and earning MVP honors for Cellium.[5] These back-to-back victories highlighted the team's dominance in key game modes like Search & Destroy and Hardpoint, where their coordinated plays often overwhelmed opponents. Throughout the regular season, Atlanta FaZe demonstrated consistent excellence, finishing second in the overall standings and leading the fan-voted Team of the Year selections, with all four starters appearing in the top two lineups based on community ballots.[32] Internal improvements in team chemistry, fostered through dedicated practice sessions, contributed to this success, as players emphasized better communication and role adaptability in post-event interviews.[33] Atlanta FaZe secured top seeding for the playoffs and advanced to the grand finals of the CDL Championship in June 2025, finishing as runners-up after a loss to OpTic Texas.[34]Relocation and rebranding
Rumors of a potential relocation for the Atlanta FaZe franchise began circulating in the summer of 2025, amid broader discussions within the Call of Duty League about team rebrands and market shifts.[35] These speculations gained traction following the departure of the Vegas Falcons to Riyadh earlier that month, which vacated the Las Vegas franchise slot.[8] On September 19, 2025, the team officially confirmed the move to Las Vegas, Nevada, effective for the 2026 CDL season.[36] The relocation was driven by Las Vegas's emergence as a key esports hub, capable of hosting major CDL events and offering enhanced market opportunities, while aligning more closely with FaZe Clan's global brand strategy.[37] This decision marked a strategic refresh for the franchise, building on its strong 2025 performance to position FaZe Vegas as a renewed contender in the league.[8] As part of the transition, the team rebranded to FaZe Vegas, effectively concluding the Atlanta FaZe era that had defined much of the organization's success since its inception.[36] Alongside the announcement, FaZe Vegas revealed its initial roster for the 2026 season, retaining veterans Chris "Simp" Lehr and Zach "Drazah" Jordan while adding Jordan "Abuzah" François and Jovan "04" Rodriguez to form a blend of experience and emerging talent for Black Ops 7.[37] This lineup aimed to maintain competitive edge following departures of key players like McArthur "Cellium" Jovel and Tyler "aBeZy" Pharris.[8] Fan reactions to the relocation were mixed, with many Atlanta supporters expressing disappointment over the loss of a local team that had become a staple of the city's esports scene.[37] Others welcomed the change, citing excitement for the refreshed roster and the potential for FaZe Vegas to capitalize on Sin City's vibrant entertainment landscape. Reflections on the Atlanta tenure highlighted its legacy as a dominant force, including multiple CDL Championships, though some criticized the new branding elements like the shift to pink and purple colors from the iconic red.[37] The move signaled the end of a storied chapter, leaving a lasting impact on the franchise's history in the southeastern U.S. market.[8]Organization and identity
Ownership and operations
The Atlanta FaZe franchise was primarily owned and operated by Atlanta Esports Ventures (AEV), a joint venture established in 2018 between Cox Enterprises, a global media and technology conglomerate based in Atlanta, and Province, Inc., an advisory firm focused on sports and entertainment.[38][39] AEV served as the parent entity managing the team's business operations, including investments in esports infrastructure and league participation.[40] AEV entered the Call of Duty League (CDL) through a partnership with FaZe Clan in 2019, leveraging the content creator organization's expertise in branding, marketing, and digital content production to enhance the franchise's global reach and fan engagement.[2] This collaboration allowed FaZe Clan to provide creative assets and promotional support while AEV handled operational and financial responsibilities.[4] The team's acquisition involved a $25 million franchise fee paid to Activision Blizzard as part of the CDL's inaugural expansion.[41] Financially, AEV invested in sponsorship agreements to support operations, including a prominent partnership with Monster Energy as the official energy drink sponsor of the CDL, which featured integrated activations for Atlanta FaZe events and players.[33] Other deals, such as those with SteelSeries for gaming peripherals, contributed to revenue streams and equipment provisions.[42] Operationally, the organization maintained its headquarters in Midtown Atlanta, a facility acquired in 2019 for approximately $2.27 million to serve as a central hub for training and administration shared with AEV's other esports properties.[39] Day-to-day management was overseen by Paul Hamilton, who served as President and CEO of AEV, directing strategic decisions, team investments, and partnerships to ensure sustainable growth in the competitive esports landscape.[43] Under his leadership, AEV expanded its portfolio while prioritizing operational efficiency and community impact in Atlanta's esports ecosystem.[44]Branding, facilities, and fanbase
The Atlanta FaZe's visual identity drew heavily from FaZe Clan's established aesthetic, utilizing a primary color palette of red (#E43D30), black (#000000), and white (#FFFFFF) to symbolize energy, strength, and purity in the competitive gaming landscape.[45] The team's logo, crafted by FaZe Clan co-founder Tommy "Temperrr" Olivera, integrated these colors with stylized elements that nodded to Atlanta's urban energy and the organization's esports heritage, creating a cohesive brand that bridged global appeal with local pride.[45] This design approach, shaped by the partnership between FaZe Clan and Atlanta Esports Ventures, emphasized accessibility for fans while maintaining the clan's signature bold, minimalist style.[2] The team conducted its home series events at the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, a modern 5,000-seat venue that hosted high-stakes Call of Duty League matches and drew crowds eager for live esports action.[7] Complementing this, Atlanta FaZe trained at a dedicated approximately 13,000-square-foot facility in Midtown Atlanta, equipped for professional practice sessions and shared with other teams under Atlanta Esports Ventures to foster a collaborative esports ecosystem in the region.[2] These spaces not only supported operational needs but also served as hubs for fan interactions during open events. Atlanta FaZe cultivated a passionate fanbase through the rallying slogan and chant "FaZe Up," which became a staple at matches and online, encapsulating community spirit and motivation.[46] Engagement efforts included local watch parties across Georgia, charitable outreach like a $50,000 donation to the American Cancer Society in partnership with rapper Offset, and initiatives to build grassroots support in the Atlanta area.[47] Merchandise sales, featuring jerseys, hoodies, and accessories emblazoned with the team's branding, further strengthened ties, while social media channels on platforms like Twitter and Instagram saw substantial growth, reflecting the team's rising popularity among esports enthusiasts.[48] Intense rivalries, especially with nearby OpTic Texas, amplified fan fervor by creating high-profile matchups that spotlighted regional pride and drew larger audiences to Atlanta events.[49] These competitions not only boosted attendance and online buzz but also deepened loyalty among local supporters, as studies on localized esports teams highlighted how such dynamics enhance community identification and sustained engagement.[50]Personnel
Final active roster
The final active roster for Atlanta FaZe during the 2025 Call of Duty League season consisted of four players who had been instrumental in the team's success throughout the Black Ops 6 era, culminating in their participation in the June 2025 CDL Championship playoffs. This lineup represented the culmination of roster evolutions from earlier seasons, with a core trio intact since 2021 and a key addition strengthening the SMG roles. All players were under contract with the organization as of the June playoffs, with no changes announced until after the event.[1][51]| Player | Real Name | Role | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| aBeZy | Tyler Pharris | Main AR | Veteran leader with multiple world championships, having anchored FaZe's assault rifle position since joining the franchise in 2021.[52][32] |
| Simp | Chris Lehr | Flex/Entry Fragger | Aggressive entry fragger who joined Atlanta FaZe in 2020, known for his objective-focused play and high-impact frags in high-pressure situations.[53][54] |
| Cellium | McArthur Jovel | AR | Versatile AR player who anchored the team's assault rifle positions alongside aBeZy, contributing to consistent team synergy.[1][55] |
| Drazah | Zack Jordan | SMG | Dynamic SMG specialist who rejoined the team ahead of the 2023 season and solidified the backline with aggressive positioning.[56][57] |
Coaching and support staff
The coaching and support staff of Atlanta FaZe during its final seasons in Atlanta were integral to the team's competitive strategy and player welfare.[45] James "Crowder" Crowder served as head coach, having joined the organization on September 22, 2019, and remaining in the role through the 2025 season.[60] A former Call of Duty World Champion from 2015 with Denial Esports, Crowder brought extensive experience to his coaching duties, emphasizing tactical adjustments that proved effective in the Black Ops 6 era of the Call of Duty League. Under his leadership, Atlanta FaZe secured victories at CDL Major 1 and Major 2 in 2025, contributing significantly to the team's strong seasonal performance.[31][5] Assisting Crowder was Richard "RJ" Simoncelli, who joined as assistant coach on September 24, 2019, and focused on player development throughout his tenure.[61] Simoncelli's role involved nurturing individual skills and team dynamics, supporting the organization's emphasis on long-term growth for its roster. The support staff included analysts responsible for reviewing video on demand (VOD) footage to refine strategies and sports psychologists who aided in mental preparation for high-stakes competitions.[33] These roles enhanced overall team readiness, fostering synergy between coaching directives and player execution in a single, cohesive unit. The entire personnel structure operated under Atlanta Esports Ventures (AEV), the owning entity that oversaw operations for the franchise.[51]Achievements and records
Seasonal performance summaries
The Atlanta FaZe demonstrated strong consistency in the inaugural 2020 Call of Duty League (CDL) season on Modern Warfare, finishing first in the regular season standings with 280 CDL points earned primarily through match wins across online events.[62] They advanced as the top seed to the CDL Championship but fell short in the grand final, securing second place after a 1-5 loss to Dallas Empire in a best-of-nine series.[63] In 2021, on Black Ops Cold War, the team dominated the regular season, topping the standings with superior performance in stage qualifiers and Majors, where they claimed victories in Stage 1, Stage 3, and Stage 4.[20] This momentum carried into the playoffs, culminating in a first-place finish at the CDL Championship with a 5-3 grand final win over Toronto Ultra.[64] The 2022 season on Vanguard and Modern Warfare II saw Atlanta FaZe maintain excellence, ending the regular season first with a 28-13 match record and 330 CDL points.[65] At the CDL Championship, they reached the grand final as a top contender but finished second after a 2-5 defeat to Los Angeles Thieves.[66] During the 2023 campaign on Modern Warfare II, Atlanta FaZe led the regular season with 385 CDL points and a 31-16 record, highlighted by their Major II victory.[67] Their playoff run ended in third/fourth place at the CDL Championship following a loss in the elimination finals to New York Subliners.[68] In 2024, on Modern Warfare III, the team again topped the regular season with a dominant 37-8 match record, securing consistent top finishes including a Major II win.[69] However, at the CDL Championship, they placed fifth/sixth after early elimination in the losers bracket.[70] The 2025 season on Black Ops 6 featured Atlanta FaZe finishing first in the regular season with a 34-11 record, bolstered by Major I and Major II triumphs as key highlights.[71] Their postseason efforts yielded a second-place result at the CDL Championship, reaching the grand final as top seeds.[72]| Season | Regular Season Standing/Points | CDL Championship Placement |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1st / 280 points | 2nd |
| 2021 | 1st | 1st |
| 2022 | 1st / 330 points | 2nd |
| 2023 | 1st / 385 points | 3rd/4th |
| 2024 | 1st | 5th/6th |
| 2025 | 1st | 2nd |