Optic Gaming Secures Back-to-back Esports World Cup Victory

WHO:

GamesBeat - OpTic Gaming, Team Heretics, Anthony “Shotzzy” Cuevas-Castro, Mason “Mercules” Ramsey, Cuyler “Huke” Garland, Brandon “Dashy” Otell

GamesReviews.com - 100 Thieves, Team Falcons, ReeaL

Field Level Media - Esports Foundation, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund

WHAT:

GamesBeat - OpTic Gaming has made it to nine grand finals during the Call of Duty season.

GamesReviews.com - OpTic Gaming's victory at the Esports World Cup 2026 secures them an automatic berth at the next year's tournament.

Field Level Media - The total prize pool for the Black Ops 7 leg of the Esports World Cup is $1.8 million.

Field Level Media - Team Falcons received 300 points for their fourth-place finish in the overall club standings for the Esports World Cup.

Field Level Media - The overall club standings for the Esports World Cup show AG.AL International in first place with 3,350 points.

GamesBeat - OpTic Gaming won the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 finals at the Esports World Cup 2026.

GamesReviews.com - OpTic Gaming defeated Team Heretics 5-3 in a best-of-nine grand final.

Field Level Media - OpTic Gaming received a $600,000 grand prize and 1,000 Esports World Cup club points; Team Heretics received $320,000 and 750 points.

Field Level Media - 100 Thieves defeated Team Falcons 4-3 in a best-of-seven third-place match, earning $210,000 and 500 club points.

WHERE:

GamesBeat - The Esports World Cup 2026 took place in Paris.

GamesReviews.com - The event was held at Paris’ Expo Porte de Versailles.

WHEN:

GamesReviews.com - The Esports World Cup 2026 occurred on a Sunday.

GamesReviews.com - The tournament featured a total prize pool of $1.8 million.

WHY:

GamesBeat - The Esports World Cup was relocated to Paris due to the risks associated with the Iran War affecting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

HOW:

GamesReviews.com - OpTic Gaming defeated 100 Thieves 4-3 in a semifinal rematch after losing to them during the group stage.

Field Level Media - In the semifinal, OpTic Gaming won 4-3 against 100 Thieves after initially trailing 2-0.

GamesBeat - OpTic Gaming advanced through the playoffs by defeating FaZe Clan 4-0 and 100 Thieves 4-3.

GamesReviews.com - In the grand final, OpTic Gaming initially took a two-map lead, then Team Heretics tied the series before OpTic secured the championship by winning three of the final four maps.

Field Level Media - OpTic Gaming won the grand final by clinching the final Hardpoint match 250-183.

OpTic Gaming has made a remarkable run this season, reaching nine grand finals and securing victory at the Esports World Cup 2026, which guarantees them a spot in next year's tournament. In an exciting semifinal rematch, OpTic triumphed over 100 Thieves with a score of four to three, coming back from an early two to zero deficit. The total prize pool for the Black Ops 7 leg of the Esports World Cup stands at an impressive $1.8 million, with AG.AL International leading the overall club standings at 3,350 points and Team Falcons finishing fourth with 300 points.