Pro Players and Personalities React to OpTic CoD Roster Change
The 2015 to 2018 OpTic Gaming Call of Duty team will go down in esports history as one of the greatest rosters of all time.
The team consisting of Seth ‘Scump’ Abner, Ian ‘Crimsix’ Porter, Matt ‘FormaL’ Piper and Damon ‘Karma’ Barlow played their first event at UMG California in April 2015, taking down FaZe Clan in the grand final. That was the start of something special.
The four man team consisting of arguably four of the greatest CoD players of all time went on to win a further 12 events, and rather fittingly, their final win as a team saw them lift the title as CoD Champs 2017 winners for Infinite Warfare.
When it was announced that Call of Duty WWII would be 2017’s annual title, expectations were high for the team to continue their blistering success when the mechanics returned to boots on the ground. Unfortunately for OpTic fans, that didn’t quite work out like planned.
Following a third place finish at CWL Dallas, the team looked to have lost the killer instinct that made them such formidable competitors.
As the WWII season progressed it was clear something was wrong internally with a clear division between the players both on and off the game. The final straw appeared to be losing back to back series against FaZe Clan in the CWL Pro League finals.
Just a number of weeks later they placed top 16 at CWL Seattle and rumors began to float around of a roster change. On May 6th it was confirmed that FormaL and Karma would be replaced by Anthony ‘Methodz’ Zinni and Sam ‘Octane’ Larew.
For years the team was known as the ‘final boss’ of competitive Call of Duty, with something special required in order to beat them. Regardless of the level of game, whether online or offline, the team had something of a bounty on their heads.
This level of respect by other professional players and notable figures within the competitive CoD community was shown on Twitter following the announcement of the new lineup with a variety of reactions to the move.
eUnited’s James ‘Clayster’ Eubanks
Truly an end to an era. One of, if not THE, toughest and most skilled CoD roster in history. Always hated playing those four but damn were they always nasty. @OpTicHitch did a great finale,
— eU Clayster (@Clayster) May 6, 2018
CoD commentator Ben ‘Benson’ Bowe
Bruh, it really is the end of the greatest dynasty we will probably ever see in CoD. Its crazy to have witnessed it all.
— Ben 'Benson' Bowe (@Benson_EU) May 6, 2018
Former CoD commentator Matt ‘Mr X’ Morello
@OpTic_Crimsix @OpTic_Scumper @OpTic_FormaL @OpTic_DKarma congrats on such an incredible run and giving the community so many amazing moments. Personally glad to say my final cast was seeing you all accomplish your ultimate goal.
— Matt Morello (@MattMrX) May 6, 2018
Splyce’s Dillon ‘Madcat’ Daly
The one team you always knew you had to find that extra in you to beat, was always a pleasure playing them 4 lads.
— Dylan D (@MadCat) May 6, 2018
FaZe Clan’s Dillon ‘Attach’ Price
Playing against your old squad was always an honor and the matches were so close. Good luck with the new squad.
— FaZe Attach (@Attach) May 6, 2018
Red Reserve’s Matthew ‘Skrapz’ Marshall
Can’t watch vision, I’ll end up crying. What a roster that was, probs the best ever, the best I’ve ever seen but good things don’t last! I can’t wait for the league :raised_hands::punch:
— skrapz (@skrapzg) May 6, 2018
OpTic Gaming Coach Tyler ‘Teep’ Polchow
So many things out of my hands the past few months. Tough times. Many excuses.
Wish things could have worked out better but that S1 Playoffs loss was the final straw
Think everyone will be in a much better mental state with these changes.
Back to the GRIND with the new squad!
— Tyler Polchow (@TylerTeeP) May 6, 2018
OpTic Gaming’s Ian ‘Crimsix’ Porter
It was quite a run, but that is how our legacy will be written. Hopefully y’all enjoyed watching us over the years. I want this team to be remembered by our persistence; our ability to push through failure to achieve success. pic.twitter.com/zFDzODoRjP
— Ian Porter (@OpTic_Crimsix) May 6, 2018