OpTic Texas

Origins as the Dallas Empire

The franchise began in May 2019 when Envy Gaming purchased one of the first five slots in the newly formed Call of Duty League. The team was officially unveiled as the Dallas Empire in October 2019, announcing its five player starting roster and branding. The name was inspired by lyrics from the Texas state song, and the original black and gold color scheme with a crown logo reflected a regal theme. The logo also subtly incorporated the letters N and V, a nod to Envy Gaming's history in the scene.

In its debut 2020 season, the Dallas Empire quickly found success. The team won the 2020 Call of Duty League Championship on August 30, 2020, claiming the world title in its first year of competition. This victory was followed by a roster change prompted by the league's decision to return to a four versus four format for the 2021 season, which led to veteran player Clayster becoming a restricted free agent.

Transition to OpTic Texas

A major transformation occurred ahead of the 2022 season. In November 2021, Envy Gaming announced a merger to acquire the OpTic Gaming brand. As part of this deal, OpTic founder Hector HECZ Rodriguez joined the ownership group. The Call of Duty League team was subsequently rebranded from the Dallas Empire to OpTic Texas. By June 2022, Envy Gaming fully retired its own brand to operate solely as OpTic Gaming, formally placing the OpTic Texas team under the OpTic banner.

This merger blended the competitive success of the Dallas Empire with the massive fanbase and legacy of OpTic Gaming. The team's visual identity was updated to reflect the change, adopting OpTic's traditional green and black colors. The new logo maintained the classic OpTic design but replaced the G with a star, symbolizing the Lone Star State of Texas.

The Championship Era

After the rebrand, OpTic Texas remained a consistent contender. The 2022 season saw the team win Stage 1 and finish second in the overall regular season standings, though they placed fourth at the championship event. The following 2023 season was marked by significant roster volatility, including the retirement of player Scump in January 2023 and multiple mid season player changes.

The team's perseverance culminated in a triumphant 2024 season. OpTic Texas won its first major tournament in over two years in May 2024, defeating the Toronto Ultra. The top moment came in July 2024 when the team won the Call of Duty League Championship on its home turf in Allen, Texas. This victory marked the organization's first CDL era championship and its first world title since the 2017 season.

Building a Dynasty

OpTic Texas entered the 2025 season aiming to defend its title, but the year began with instability. The team made several roster moves involving players Pred and Huke, with Pred leaving and returning multiple times. Further changes saw veteran Kenny released and replaced by 2023 champion Skyz, followed by the promotion of an amateur player, Mercules. Despite this turbulent regular season, OpTic Texas found its form when it mattered most.

On June 29, 2025, OpTic Texas claimed its second consecutive CDL Championship. This victory made the organization the first team in Call of Duty esports history to win back to back world championships. The team carried its championship winning roster into the 2026 season, achieving first place in the regular season standings and winning Major 4. However, the quest for a third straight title ended with a second place finish at the 2026 championship, losing to FaZe Vegas in the grand final.

Roster Evolution and Strategy

The roster of OpTic Texas has seen considerable change throughout its history, adapting to game meta shifts and player performance. The original Dallas Empire championship roster was built around a core that included Crimsix and later underwent changes when the league shifted to 4v4. As OpTic Texas, the team has frequently turned to both established stars and new talent to stay competitive.

Key acquisitions have often defined their championship pushes. The signing of Pred and Kenny ahead of the 2024 season provided the firepower for their first title run. The organization has also shown a willingness to make difficult mid season changes, as seen in 2023 when they dropped iLLeY for amateur player Ghosty, and in 2025 when they integrated Skyz and later Mercules. This flexible approach to team building has been a consistent feature of their operations.

Legacy and Impact

From its inception as the Dallas Empire, this franchise has been a foundational part of the Call of Duty League. Its immediate championship win in 2020 validated the city based franchise model. The merger with OpTic Gaming created a super team that combined competitive pedigree with one of esports most passionate fan communities, often referred to as the Green Wall.

The team's achievements have secured its place in the history of the game. By winning championships in 2024 and 2025, OpTic Texas not only reclaimed the throne but also made history with consecutive world titles. Their presence in Dallas has helped anchor the CDL in a major market, and their consistent performance at the highest level ensures they remain a central figure in the narrative of professional Call of Duty.