2024’s Top 5 Best Call of Duty Players You Need to Know

As we reflect on 2024, it has proven to be a monumental year for the Call of Duty franchise. The highly anticipated Modern Warfare 3 reintroduced legendary maps, the release of Black Ops 6 energized the player base, and OpTic Texas captured the World Championship after a seven-year drought. Join us as we celebrate the top five Call of Duty players who stood out in this remarkable season.

The 2024 Call of Duty League (CDL) featured multiple events, showcasing a variety of champions throughout the year, including the postseason Esports World Cup. While numerous athletes displayed brilliance at various times, the players on our list consistently reached new heights. Here’s our ranking of the elite talents ahead of the upcoming CDL 2025 season.

5. Brandon ‘Dashy’ Otell

Dashy playing at Call of Duty League LAN for OpTic Texas — OpTic Texas

Dashy finally secured the coveted ring that had eluded him for so long. An elite slayer, he demonstrated his prowess in MW3 by clinching his first world championship after years of near misses. His clutch performances, particularly in high-pressure situations, set him apart as a top contender. A standout moment was his astonishing 1v3 victory against Atlanta FaZe during the Major 3, solidifying his reputation among fans.

4. Anthony ‘Shotzzy’ Cuevas-Castro

Shotzzy getting hype at Call of Duty event — OpTic Texas

Shotzzy has emerged as one of the most electrifying players in the competitive scene. As the reigning Champs Finals MVP, he continued to elevate his game throughout the season, despite a disappointing performance at Major 4. Known for his incredible movement, Shotzzy excelled in Search & Destroy, posting one of the highest KDs among submachine gun players. His dynamic style kept fans on the edge of their seats.

3. Thomas ‘Scrap’ Ernst

Scrappy won CDL Major 3 MVP — Call of Duty League

Scrap showcased immense talent in just his second season, quickly becoming a dominant force in the league. While teams like OpTic and FaZe earned most of the spotlight, Scrap consistently approached MVP-level performance throughout the year. His exceptional skills as an assault rifle player set a high bar, and with a bit more championship success, he could carve out a historically significant career in competitive Call of Duty.

2. Paco ‘HyDra’ Rusiewiez

HyDra for New York Subliners at a CDL event — New York Subliners

HyDra was a front-runner for MVP throughout the season, demonstrating skill that captivated the community. Despite falling short in major tournaments, he consistently delivered breathtaking performances. The French player exhibited a remarkable ability to win gunfights against overwhelming odds, establishing him as a premier slayer. His high kill counts and streaks showcased a potential that surpasses many veterans in the league.

1. Chris ‘Simp’ Lehr

Simp playing for Atlanta FaZe at a CDL event — Call of Duty League

Simp continues to solidify his legacy as a leading figure in Call of Duty esports, positioning himself on a path toward becoming one of the greatest players of all time. Competing consistently at an MVP level throughout the MW3 season, he set the standard for excellence, highlighted by his performance in preseason tournaments and a dynamic regular season. By winning the Esports World Cup and Major 2, Simp’s dominance in various game modes reaffirms his place at the top of our list for 2024.

Atlanta FaZe lift Esports World Cup trophy — Esports World Cup

While players like Cellium, Drazah, and Ghosty showed potential and strong performances, they narrowly missed our top five for various reasons. As we look forward to the 2025 season, anticipation builds to see who will rise to the challenge and how the competitive landscape may shift. The coming year is sure to bring surprises and fresh rivalries that will keep both players and fans excited.

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