{"id":9126,"date":"2024-01-25T11:57:40","date_gmt":"2024-01-25T11:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/?p=9126"},"modified":"2024-01-25T11:57:41","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T11:57:41","slug":"best-call-of-duty-players-of-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thunderpick.gl\/blog\/best-call-of-duty-players-of-2023","title":{"rendered":"Best Call Of Duty Players Of 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Every year, Activision\u2019s premier esports league draws the attention of Call of Duty enthusiasts globally. The 2023 CDL season was no different, setting a record viewership as the world\u2019s top CoD players<\/a> vie for ultimate glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when you look at the roster of top-tier talent and high-octane plays, a key question among community members is: Who were the best CoD players in 2023? In this guide, we\u2019ll highlight the top-performing players in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don’t forget to check out our Call of Duty betting guide<\/a> or head over to our esports page for the latest CoD betting odds<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Did We Pick These CDL Players?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our CDL picks are based on an analysis of each player\u2019s performance over the 2023 Call of Duty League Season. In particular, we reviewed the kill-death differential as well as a few other signals to gain a simple but intuitive reflection of their overall impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recognize that KDs are influenced by different roles and playstyles, making the differential a more direct and grounded measure of performance. That said, this list is not intended to rank or compare players\u2019 skills, but to ascertain their contributions to the team\u2019s overall success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note:<\/strong> These picks are based on the author’s opinion and do not necessarily align with all Thunderpick staff.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tyler “aBeZy” Pharris (Atlanta FaZe)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tyler “aBeZy” Pharris\u2019s status as a top-tier CDL player in 2023 is undisputed. As the Major 2 champion, he put up an incredible fight and closed the season with a 1.07 KD (+240) overall. He also closely trailed HyDra on Search and Destroy (S&D), with an impressive 1.22 KD (+96).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, aBeZy maintained respectable KDs of 1.03 (+57) and 1.08 (+87) on Hardpoint and Control, respectively, with over $1.2 million in lifetime earnings. Paired with Cellium, the U.S. titan has an indomitable presence in the CDL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

McArthur “Cellium” Jovel (Atlanta FaZe)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

ATL FaZe<\/a> veteran star McArthur “Cellium” Jovel has racked up an impressive CDL record since joining in 2019, boasting an expansive collection of trophies at key events with the team. He leads the CDL 2023 standings with a 1.2 KD (+682) across all game modes, exemplifying his masterclass gameplay and adaptability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Placing 3rd at the CDL 2023 Playoffs, Cellium was pivotal in Atlanta FaZe\u2019s 3-1 victories over Boston Breach and Seattle Surge before being halted by the NY Subliners. Despite this setback, the Serpent King\u2019s <\/em>performance still earned him a spot in the All-Star First Team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A versatile and highly talented player, Cellium\u2019s skill transcends the numbers. His clutch <\/em>plays and superior positioning have repeatedly steered ATL FaZe to victory in difficult times, garnering him the title of being the \u201cepitome of a hard kill\u201d among pros.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image via @GGBreakingPoint on X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Thomas “Scrappy” Ernst (Toronto Ultra)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thomas “Scrappy” Ernst\u2019s breakout year exceeded many fans\u2019 expectations, particularly given his fiery <\/em>temperament. Earning the Rookie of the Year and Major 3 MVP<\/a> award, the Toronto Ultra pro not only backed up his bold statements but hit back at his competitors, securing a solid 1.13 KD (+431) overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Placing in the top 5 in all game modes, Scrappy performed especially well on Control, with a 1.19 KD (+181) and dishing out 2529 damage and 20.1 kills per 10 minutes. He\u2019s still relatively new to the scene, but Scrappy established a strong foothold in the CDL and made it clear that he\u2019s here to stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amer “Pred” Zulbeari (OpTic Texas)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Australian pro gamer Amer “Pred” Zulbeari\u2019s tenure with Seattle Surge may not seem remarkable, particularly compared to his 16-win streak at APAC Challengers in 2020. Yet, Pred demonstrated resilience and skill, securing the runner-up spot and $120,000 at Major 1 against the NY Subliners last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He further shocked fans by helping SEA Surge beat ATL FaZe at the CDL 2023 World Championship, closing the season 4th with a 1.1 KD (+184) in Hardpoint, 1.26 KD (+92) in S&D, and 1.17 KD (+153) in Control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s clear that Pred is an incredibly skilled Call of Duty player, his recent acquisition by OpTic<\/a> Texas positions him well for a possible Grand Finals victory at Champs in 2024, especially playing alongside CDL stalwarts Kenny, Dashy, and Shotzzy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brandon “Dashy” Otell (OpTic Texas)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Canadian AR main Brandon “Dashy” Otell has consistently proven his ability to execute incredible plays despite not yet securing a championship ring. His role in leading OpTic Texas to two consecutive Major trophies reaffirms his impact, which includes making clutch <\/em>plays when his team most needs it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some notable moments include a last-second wall bang on aBeZy during the Major 5 Qualifiers in Week 1, a play that clinched the round for OpTic. Another standout play was his squad-wipe of Boston Breach in the Major 3 Round 4 Elim matchup, which showcased his sharpshooting skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dashy ended the 2023 CDL season with commendable statistics across all game modes: 1.10 KD (+154) in HP, averaging 22.10 kills per 10 minutes, 1.14 KD in S&D (+48), and 1.05 KD in Control (+47). With that, it seems inevitable that a World Championship title is well within his reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Honorable Mentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We want to recognize the following Call of Duty esports players for delivering incredible performances throughout the season. We also want to honor a few retired pros:<\/p>\n\n\n\n