Karma vs. Crimsix: Who is Call of Duty’s greatest player?
For Call of Duty fans, the debate regarding who is the game’s greatest ever player is a tough one, as fans agonize over which OpTic Gaming member – Damon ‘Karma’ Barlow or Ian ‘Crimsix’ Porter – is the undisputed king of the console esport.
The pair’s careers have been intertwined since 2012, when Karma replaced James ‘Clayster’ Eubanks on a compLexity team which also featured Patrick ‘ACHES’ Price, Tyler ‘TeePee’ Polchow and of course, Crimsix.
The lineup would continue the incredible dominance that compLexity had over the Call of Duty esports scene, climbing to the very top of the mountain with a victory at the Ghosts World Championships.
Crimsix and Karma as part of compLexity.After a move to Evil Geniuses, cracks appeared to form in the legendary roster, resulting in the loan of Barlow to FaZe Clan, putting the final nail in the coffin of one of Call of Duty’s greatest runs.
However, the demise of one era led to the creation of the second, with Karma and Crimsix eventually reuniting on OpTic Gaming, spearheading a second era of championship victories for the duo which culminated at the Infinite Warfare Call of Duty Championships, with Porter adding a second championship ring to his collection, while Barlow got his hands on a third.
The pair split again briefly during the World War 2 season, but a
reconcillation between Karma and OpTic Gaming saw Barlow make a return
to the starting roster, and saw immediate success by claiming victory at
the CWL Las Vegas Open back in December.
Now, Dexerto have taken an in-depth look at the two players’ careers
and the legacy they have forged in Call of Duty esports in our latest
documentary.
No matter who you ask, it’s unlikely you will ever receive a definitive answer to the question of who the GOAT is. Many look at Karma’s in-game selflessness and three World Championships as a clear sign of his greatness, while others contest that Porter’s incredible consistency as a top slayer sets him apart, while also holding the record for most overall tournament wins.
No matter your allegiance, one thing is for certain though – they are, without question, two of the greatest players to ever pick up the controller and play Call of Duty.