H3CZ, Karma and more explain what the OpTic vs Envy rivalry means to Call of Duty
OpTic Gaming and Team Envy’s eClasico rivalry is one for the record books and will go down as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, esports rivalry ever.
The eClasico, a spin-off name from the footballing rivalry of El Clasico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, has become bigger than ever over the past few years with both organizations expanding into new games. The history of the eClasico is well documented with both organizations going back and forth in different titles but always returning to its home, Call of Duty.
The current squads boot camped together for a few days ahead of the first event of the CoD season, CWL Las Vegas, which OpTic eventually went on to win in dominant fashion. EnVy, however, were eliminated by Lightning Pandas and finished 9-12th.
OpTic didn’t drop a series in Vegas.During the boot camp, Team EnVyus documented the goings on and also spoke to OpTic’s Hector ‘H3CZ’ Rodriguez and Damon ‘Karma’ Barlow for their takes on the rivalry. Karma, who has played for both organizations, reflected on his time with the blue side and stated: “Playing on EnVy was great.
“It’s always been like the big rivalry, OpTic EnVy, Hastro Hector, they always just want to be the best, they’re like the Godfathers of Call of Duty. It’s a big thing. They were the two brands coming up that were Call of Duty. It’s always a battle, always the eClasico when we play and everyone wants to see it.”
ACHES has been a thorn in OpTic’s side forever.The addition of Patrick ‘ACHES’ Price to any team will strike fear into the heart of every OpTic but now, by joining EnVy, it adds another layer to the ever-growing historic rivalry.
“Any team that ACHES is a part of, there’s always going to be that rivalry. He’s our nemesis, in a sense,” stated H3CZ. “Now, I respect Pat for everything that he’s done for the scene, he’s a fierce competitor and always looking for the player’s best interests but anytime he’s on any team it’s an immediate rival but now that he’s on our rival team, it just adds fuel to the fire.”
The full video from Team EnVyus documenting the pre-tournament boot camp and their performance in Vegas can be viewed below:
Disclaimer: Hector ‘H3CZ’ Rodriguez is a minority shareholder in Dexerto Ltd