Paris Gentle Mates stun the Call of Duty world in Major 1 win
Feb 09, 2026.
The Call of Duty League Stage 1 Major concluded with a commanding performance from the Paris Gentle Mates, who captured the first Major title of the 2026 season in Dallas.
Against a field stacked with top-tier franchise clubs, Paris delivered a composed run through group play and the knockout stage to secure the championship.
The Major featured 12 elite franchise clubs and served as an early measuring stick for the 2026 season, offering a first look at which teams are quickly adapting to Black Ops 7 and new roster configurations. With early events, results aren’t always indicative of who will dominate the rest of the year, as squads continue to adjust to the new game and chemistry within refreshed lineups.
Group play set the tone, with Paris establishing control early and finishing atop their bracket. As the tournament moved into the knockout stage, margins tightened and every match carried added weight. The path to victory was littered with clutch plays, including standout performances from Travis "Neptune" McCloud.
The final saw Paris face OpTic Texas, a perennial contender in the league. After conceding early maps, Paris responded with authority, pulling ahead in decisive matches to claim the Stage 1 Major title and demonstrate their potential for the season ahead.
From Dallas to Riyadh
The Call of Duty League is fully franchised, meaning these exact rosters could return to the EWC 26 stage in Riyadh later this year. This continuity adds context to their performance in Dallas, giving fans a glimpse of potential storylines as the global season unfolds.
Players are still finding their rhythm in Black Ops 7, but early Majors like this one provide a foundation for building momentum toward the international stage.
Last year we witnessed OpTic Gaming and the Vancouver Surge face off in the COD BO6 at Esports World Cup 2025 Grand Final, with OpTic coming out on top in a dominant shutout. OpTic is back in 2026 with the same roster and are still finishing on the podium. Vancouver, complete with a fresh roster, was not able to repeat their success while competing in Dallas.
Road to EWC
The Stage 1 Major represents an early milestone on the Road to EWC, with performances helping shape the competitive landscape for the rest of the year. As the Call of Duty calendar continues, results across Majors and league play will determine which clubs arrive in Riyadh with momentum and confidence.
Latest News From EWC
2026
Four Must-Watch Players in Week 7 of EWC 26
Every player arrives at the Esports World Cup with a chance to define their tournament. With the Club Championship and four titles still to be decided, Week 7 represents the final opportunity to make a mark on one of esports’ biggest stages. Here are four players to watch in the final week of EWC 26.
2026
EWC 26 Fan Fest Week 6 Recap
Week 6 marked the penultimate week of the Esports World Cup 2026, bringing the event one step closer to its conclusion. Even as the competition intensified, Fan Fest remained a central hub for creators, developers, esports clubs and fans, continuing to deliver experiences beyond the tournaments themselves.
2026
Fortnite Reload Elite Series at EWC 26 Survival Guide
The final week of the Esports World Cup 2026 brings one of the world’s biggest shooters to center stage as the Fortnite Reload Elite Series 2026 Championship kicks off, setting the stage for a high-octane battle to crown its inaugural champion.
2026
Top Fan Fest Highlights of EWC 26 Week 7
The final week of the 2026 Esports World Cup is here, and Fan Fest is going out with a bang. The final stretch brings another wave of activations, interactive experiences and community events, giving fans plenty of ways to jump into the action. From gaming challenges and meet-and-greets with world-class esports talent to physical activities, Fan Fest remains the ultimate playground for EWC fans on-site.