Call of Duty League reveals $75,000 launch invitational

The inaugural edition of the tournament will feature all 12 CDL franchises and four Challengers teams competing for a share of a $75,000 (~£51,117) prize pool.

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Taking place from November 22nd to 23rd, 2025, the Monster Energy Launch Invitational is the first time the CDL has hosted a pre-season invitational tournament featuring both professional and amateur teams.

In addition to the 12 franchises, OMiT, Team WaR, tBush Gaming, and Stallions will finalise the 16-team tournament, acting as the prelude to the Black Ops 7 season beginning in December.

The addition of the event takes the total number of CDL-sanctioned tournaments up to six. The Black Ops 7 season features four Majors taking place across Europe and North America, and the CDL Championship ending the season in July.

Monster Energy is no stranger to the Call of Duty esports scene. 2026 marks the third year that the energy drink brand has supported the CDL after joining forces with the league in 2023.

Alongside unveiling the teams, the Monster Energy Launch Invitational will be the first Black Ops 7 tournament available to watch across YouTube and Twitch. Last season saw the action broadcast exclusively on YouTube.

More Invitational Events

Invitational events are becoming more frequent in Call of Duty esports as a fan engagement tool to generate interest before the CDL season commences.

The CDL isn’t the only invitational tournament taking place shortly after Black Ops 7’s global launch. Call of Duty esports show The Flank has also announced an invitational tournament taking place on November 18th.

Unlike the Monster Energy Launch Invitational, The Flank Invitational involves randomly selected teams competing for a $20,000 (~£15,197) prize pool.

Source: https://esportsinsider.com/