The anticipation is over, as the newest collection of Call of Duty League (CDL) trading cards for the 2022-23 season has made its grand debut on Upper Deck’s website. Excitement reverberates among fans eager to get their hands on these coveted cards, featuring players and highlights from Call of Duty: Vanguard and Modern Warfare 2. The checklist for this season is still in the final stages, but enthusiasts are expecting a riveting lineup akin to last year’s release.
One of the standout features of this release is the inclusion of trading cards for the Boston Breach, the latest addition to the CDL family, who made their debut during the Vanguard season. Additionally, fans can look forward to the unveiling of cards for OpTic Texas, which emerged from the merger of Dallas Empire and OpTic Gaming. The introduction of rookie cards is also eagerly anticipated, with players like Scrap and the possibility of his teammate Ghosty making their debut, contingent on the final roster.
The roots of competitive Call of Duty stretch back to the franchise’s inception in 2003. However, the official Call of Duty League was not established until 2019, coinciding with the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Since its inception, the CDL has brought forth city-based teams and structured competition, elevating esports to new heights.
In a bid to commemorate the rich history of Call of Duty and trading cards, Upper Deck forged a partnership with CDL in 2022. This collaboration gave rise to a trading card set showcasing players from the Modern Warfare (2019) and Cold War seasons. While this marked Upper Deck’s official entry into the realm of Call of Duty League collectibles, it was not the first encounter between Call of Duty and trading cards. In 2021, Call of Duty joined forces with Mountain Dew Game Fuel to release a special set of cards featuring esteemed players like Seth “Scump” Abner and Thomas “ZooMaa” Paparatto.
Upper Deck has etched its presence in the esports collectibles arena, boasting licenses for both the Call of Duty League and the Overwatch League. Over the years, the company has rolled out multiple trading card sets, including innovative offerings like the 2022 Upper Deck Call of Duty Game Dated Moments series. This unique print-on-demand set showcased pivotal moments and emerging talents, exemplified by players such as Amer “Pred” Zulbeari, a prominent figure in OpTic Texas’s victorious World Championship campaign.
The release of the 2022-23 trading cards aligns with the sixth season of the Call of Duty League, marking a continued evolution from its forerunner, the Call of Duty World League. Prior to the city-based format of the CDL, esports organizations battled with diverse rosters in open competitions, creating a dynamic and unpredictable competitive landscape.
As the excitement mounts with the availability of the latest trading cards, fans and players alike are immersed in the thrill of collecting these cherished memorabilia. Professional players have also expressed their enthusiasm for becoming collectors themselves, further enriching the vibrant community of the Call of Duty League.
For enthusiasts of the game and avid collectors, this year’s trading card set is a gateway to owning a part of Call of Duty League’s illustrious history. Head over to Upper Deck’s website to delve into the collection and secure your favorite cards from the thrilling 2022-23 season!