Esports Hub: FaZe Vegas to Host 2026 Call of Duty League Championship at Mandalay Bay

LAS VEGAS — The neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip are set to shine even brighter for the gaming community this summer. The Call of Duty League (CDL) has officially confirmed that its most prestigious event, the 2026 Championship Weekend, will return to the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay from July 16 to 19, 2026.

The announcement, made Friday during the Major I tournament, marks a pivotal moment for the league and the city, cementing Las Vegas as the premier destination for high-stakes esports.

A New Era for FaZe Vegas

In a significant departure from previous years, FaZe Vegas will serve as the official host and production lead for the tournament. This marks a historic “first” for the organization following its high-profile relocation from Atlanta and rebranding at the end of 2025.

By taking the reins of the league’s “Champs” weekend, FaZe Vegas is not just participating as a top-tier competitor—they are managing the event’s atmosphere and production. The move is widely seen as a statement of intent by the franchise and its parent company, GameSquare Holdings, to lead the North American esports scene from their new home base in Nevada.

High Stakes and Global Roadmap

The 2026 season has been an international journey, with the league traveling to Dallas, Birmingham (UK), Atlanta, and Paris. However, the road ends in Las Vegas, where the top eight franchises from the regular season will battle through a double-elimination bracket for the world title and a multi-million dollar prize pool.

The event will be played on Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, featuring the highly anticipated return of classic competitive formats. “This year’s Champs is set to be the most exciting yet,” a CDL official stated. “Combining a world-class venue like the Michelob Ultra Arena with the energy of Las Vegas creates the perfect backdrop for the biggest party in esports.”

Ticket Frenzy and Venue Details

Demand for the event is already reaching record highs. Presale tickets launched on Friday morning at fazevegas.com, followed by a general public release later that afternoon. Industry analysts report a “palpable rush” for seats, with the arena’s 10,000–12,000 seat capacity expected to sell out well in advance of the July start date.

Fans attending the event will benefit from the arena’s direct connection to the Mandalay Bay Resort, offering a seamless experience where players and spectators alike are immersed in the luxury of the resort corridor.

Las Vegas: The Esports Capital

This is the second time the CDL Championship has called Las Vegas home, following a successful 2023 run at the Thomas & Mack Center. With the Michelob Ultra Arena previously hosting legendary events like Evo, the venue has a proven pedigree for handling the technical and logistical demands of global gaming spectacles.

As the countdown to July 16 begins, the eyes of the global gaming community remain fixed on the Mojave Desert, waiting to see if a new champion will rise or if the hometown favorites, FaZe Vegas, can secure the trophy on their own turf.

Source Credit: This report includes details provided by Esports Insider, The Esports Advocate, Evrim Ağacı, and official announcements from the Call of Duty League.