Miami Heretics

Franchise Entry and Early Branding

Misfits Gaming secured its place in the Call of Duty League on August 20, 2019, by purchasing one of the league's new franchise slots. Reports at the time indicated the price for a slot was approximately 25 million dollars. The organization revealed its team branding as the Florida Mutineers on October 28, 2019. Just over a month later, on December 2, the team announced its inaugural five man starting roster and its coach, setting the stage for its competitive debut.

The 2020 Season and Roster Dynamics

The Florida Mutineers began the 2020 Call of Duty League season at the CDL Launch Weekend, splitting their first two series. Their first significant tournament run came at the Atlanta FaZe Home Series. After losing their opening match to the London Royal Ravens, the team entered the elimination bracket. There, they defeated Optic Gaming Los Angeles and then secured a rematch victory over London. In the semifinals, they overcame the Chicago Huntsmen in a close 3-2 series to reach the finals, where they were defeated by Atlanta FaZe.

The roster saw its first major adjustment when player Prestinni decided to step away from competition. The team signed Maurice Fero as his immediate replacement. When Prestinni returned in late March, Fero remained in the starting lineup, creating a new core of Fero, Frosty, Skyz, Havok, and Maux. This lineup struggled at the CDL Los Angeles event, winning only one match.

Breakthrough Victory and Dominant Run

The same five player roster quickly turned its fortunes around at the next major event, CDL Dallas. The Mutineers fought through the loser's bracket, ultimately defeating the Minnesota ROKKR in the tournament finals to claim the franchise's first event win of the 2020 season. However, an early exit from their own home series prompted another roster change. Player Maux was replaced by standout amateur competitor Joe Owakening.

The new lineup proved to be successful. For the next two events, CDL Minnesota and CDL Paris, the team of Owakening, Fero, Frosty, Havok, and Skyz was dominant. They won all eight of their matches across those two tournaments, compiling a strong map record and establishing themselves as a top contender during that period of the season.

Partnership and Rebrand to Miami Heretics

On August 24, 2023, the organization announced a fundamental transformation. The Florida Mutineers would be rebranded as the Miami Heretics. This change was the result of a new partnership between the franchise owner, Misfits Gaming, and the prominent Spanish esports organization Team Heretics. The announcement also included the strategic decision to field an all Spanish player roster for the upcoming 2024 Call of Duty League season, marking a new chapter focused on European talent.

Organization and Team Identity

The Miami Heretics franchise is owned by Misfits Gaming, an organization that also owns the Florida Mayhem in the Overwatch League. The operational partnership with Team Heretics provides the CDL team with its name and a direct link to the European esports market. The team's visual identity is defined by its colors of orange and blue. The organization maintains a professional merchandise line and, as indicated by sources, continues to build rosters with players like ReeaL, Mettalz, Super, and Snoopy for future seasons.

Legacy and Cultural Connections

The team's history under both its Mutineers and Heretics identities connects to broader Call of Duty esports culture. Player MettalZ, who later played for Team Heretics, made his debut with that organization at the CWL Vegas event for Black Ops 4, which was the same event where notable player Dashy debuted with OpTic Gaming. The rebrand to Miami Heretics also ties the American franchise to the significant viewership achievements of its Spanish partner organization, Team Heretics, which set an all time viewership record during the VALORANT Champions 2024 event.