FaZe Vegas

Franchise Foundation and Entry into the CDL

The team's origins trace back to the formation of the Call of Duty League itself. In May 2019, Activision Blizzard announced Atlanta Esports Ventures as one of the first five purchasers of a franchise slot for the new city-based league. Reports from ESPN indicated the price for each slot was approximately 25 million dollars. The ownership group stated the team would play a role in Atlanta's esports community by bringing the future of Call of Duty competition to the city.

In October 2019, the formal partnership between Atlanta Esports Ventures and FaZe Clan was revealed, naming the team Atlanta FaZe among the league's twelve inaugural franchises. This created the third region-based team for FaZe Clan and marked the second Atlanta-based esports franchise from the ownership group, following the Atlanta Reign in the Overwatch League. The league's model required players to be based in their team's city, and Atlanta FaZe announced its first roster that same month to compete in the inaugural 2020 season.

Competitive Ascent in Atlanta

Atlanta FaZe quickly demonstrated its competitive strength. The team won its first tournament, the Atlanta Home Series, in February 2020. This victory was followed by a win at the Florida Home Series in May 2020, making Atlanta FaZe only the second team after Dallas Empire to secure two tournament wins in the league's first season. This run of form propelled the team to the highest standing in the entire Call of Duty League by May 2020.

The organization's early success was guided by head coach James Crowder, known as Crowder. His experience as a professional player included winning the Call of Duty Championship in 2015 with Denial Esports, providing a championship pedigree to the coaching staff. The team's performance in these early home series events set a standard for consistency and established a winning culture from the franchise's beginning.

Relocation and Rebranding to Las Vegas

A major shift for the organization occurred in September 2025 with its relocation from Atlanta to Las Vegas and the accompanying rebrand to FaZe Vegas. The move was framed as a continuation of the Atlanta FaZe legacy within a new city. The active roster, including players Simp, Drazah, 04, and Abuzaaah, remained with the team for the 2026 season under the new FaZe Vegas identity.

The rebrand fully embraced the aesthetics and spirit of Las Vegas. The design of the 2026 team jersey featured an abstract sleeve graphic in shades of pink and black inspired by Sin City. It included a V-neck collar, a badge marking the team's nine major championships, an authenticity tag, and an 'FV' sign-off on the collar. This visual identity connected the team directly to its new home while honoring its competitive history.

Championship Achievements and Records

The organization's competitive record is among the most decorated in the Call of Duty League. FaZe Vegas has won two world championships. The first title was claimed in 2021 under the Atlanta FaZe banner. The second championship came in 2026 as FaZe Vegas, secured with a 5-2 victory over OpTic Texas in the Grand Final at a packed Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas.

Beyond world championships, the team holds the league record for the most stage titles, with eight. The 2026 season added to this legacy with a victory at the CDL Major II event in Birmingham. The organization publicly commemorates these achievements, such as releasing a special black and gold 'Champions' jersey after the 2026 win and including a badge for nine major championships on its standard jersey.

Organizational Structure and Partnerships

FaZe Vegas is owned and operated by Atlanta Esports Ventures in partnership with FaZe Clan. It functions as one of the twelve international, city-based teams in the Call of Duty League. The organization extends its reach through strategic commercial partnerships with major brands.

Monster Energy serves as a primary gaming partner, collaborating on events like a UFC 322 viewing experience in New York City that united personalities from Call of Duty esports and professional fighting. Another key partner is BattleBeaver, a custom controller manufacturer. The team also formed a community-focused partnership with the sandwich chain Capriotti's, aiming to create joint fan experiences that link gaming culture and food.

These partnerships support team operations and community initiatives. The organization expresses enthusiasm for future collaborative projects with partners like Monster Energy, indicating a long-term strategy for brand growth and fan engagement beyond competitive play.

Merchandise, Media, and Fan Engagement

FaZe Vegas maintains a direct line to its audience through merchandise, digital content, and live events. The team sells jerseys and apparel through pre-orders and its online store. A 2026 Team Pack bundle is also available for purchase within the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 game on platforms like Battle.net, PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, and Steam.

Jersey designs are often thematic, such as the Major II Jersey inspired by UK culture, which referenced football, music, and fashion with a pinstripe look and a collar. The organization actively promotes its merchandise with limited-time offers, noting deadlines for items like Major II gear.

Fan engagement includes hosting the 2026 CDL Championships in Las Vegas and encouraging ticket sales. The team uses its social media presence to announce new player signings, celebrate wins, and share partner discount codes like 'FaZeVegas' for BattleBeaver products. This approach fosters a community around the team's identity in Las Vegas and its global competitive pursuits.

Roster Development and Competitive Operations

The team maintains an active roster and a substitute player pool. For the 2026 season, the starting lineup included players like Simp, Drazah, 04, and Abuzaaah. The organization also signed an 18-year-old German player to serve as a substitute for the competitive season, indicating a focus on developing talent and ensuring roster depth.

Coaching under James Crowder provides continuity and strategic direction. The team's operations are supported by its partners during events, as noted in a thank you to Monster Energy and BattleBeaver for powering the roster during the Dreamhack Birmingham tournament where they won Major II. This ecosystem of players, coaches, and partners works together to sustain the team's high-level performance across the league season and major tournaments.