CDL 2021 is returning to LAN with Stage 4. Twelve teams will converse in Texas for the $500,000 Stage 4 Major.

The Call of Duty League is returning to a LAN setting for Stage 4 which starts on June 17. This is the first LAN event after nearly a year of online-only matches.

CDL is back on LAN for Stage 4

Fans, players and talent will be elated to hear that Call of Duty is returning to LAN for Stage 4. The Stage 4 Major will see professional Call of Duty teams compete offline at the Esports Stadium in Arlington, Texas hosted by Dallas Fuel.

Following the Stage IV online regular season, Call of Duty League will venture to Esports Stadium Arlington for the first LAN event of the year: Major IV, taking place June 17-20, 2021. We have been diligently exploring ways for the Call of Duty League to return to a live event format, so long as it is safe to do so. Today is the first step in that process.

12 teams will compete for a $500,000 prize pool in Texas and there will be no live crowd at the audience. The players and the Call of Duty League staff will be present, but they will be subject to regular testing and safety protocols. Attendees will follow strict COVID-19 protocols, including Rapid Response testing throughout the event. The broadcasters will cast the games from home as Activision Blizzard plans to allow only essential personnel into the venue. 

Call of Duty, like many other esports titles, moved to an online format nearly fourteen months ago. The last Call of Duty League LAN event took place in March 2020 when Dallas Empire won the Los Angeles Home Series. 

Esports is slowly getting back to normal

As the covid pandemic struck sports across the globe, esports quickly moved to an online format. The industry’s past experience with online events proved invaluable. 

But 2021 is seeing the return to LAN for several esports events. Dota 2 held its first LAN with the Singapore Major. League of Legends and Valorant LAN events will take place in Iceland. The Overwatch League has also announced LAN events for later this season.

Stay tuned to esports.gg for the latest Call of Duty news and updates.

Image Credit: Ben Pursell/Variety.