Day 2 of the Call of Duty League’s London Home Series is over, leaving just four teams—including one major surprise—to compete on Championship Sunday.
So far, the season’s penultimate event weekend has featured as much entertainment and standing shifting as one could imagine, with upsets and drama galore. While there weren’t any internet issues like yesterday, the New York Subliners were shockingly knocked out of action by the Paris Legion while the Florida Mutineers had to claw back into Sunday’s slate of games after being reverse-swept by the hosting London Royal Ravens.
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Today’s action booked Sunday semifinals tickets for the Legion, Royal Ravens, Dallas Empire, and Florida Mutineers. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Guerrillas, Seattle Surge, OpTic Gaming Los Angeles, and, to everyone’s surprise, Subliners were eliminated.
Group A
London Royal Ravens 3 – 2 Florida Mutineers
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The Royal Ravens don’t care if their opponent has twice as many CDL points or even if they have a 2-0 lead. The (virtual) home team pulled out the clutch factor with a reverse sweep of a Florida roster that hadn’t lost a match since Joseph ‘Owakening’ Conley was added to the lineup.
With a tremendous, balanced team performance, London was able to break the Mutineers’ hot streak and send them off to the losers’ bracket while locking in a semifinals spot on Sunday. And it all started down 2-0 with a tight, single-digit win that kept the Royal Ravens alive and swung momentum in their favor.
A nail-bitter of Domination ends 163-157 with London @RoyalRavens claiming the win.
Friday was a big day for both OGLA and the Surge, as the former debuted two new starters and the latter went through more internet controversy than an episode of Silicone Valley. But OpTic’s new players, Zack ‘Drazah’ Jordan and Darien ‘Hollow’ Chverchko, helped mold a successful new identity for the team — the Surge were unable to turn their anger into winning momentum.
Although Seattle lost 3-1, the team did get to enjoy one cathartic moment, as Sam ‘Octane’ Larew pulled off an unbelievable 1v4 clutch during S&D and snuck in a quick victory lap. A nice moment in what was ultimately a lopsided affair.
— DEXERTO Call of Duty #Warzone (@DexertoIntel) July 18, 2020
OpTic Gaming Los Angeles 1 – 3 Florida Mutineers
Until their loss to the Royal Ravens, the Mutineers were on an absolute tear. That shakiness seemed to persist as OGLA won a tight first map, but Florida kicked it back into gear with clutch performances across the roster as well as some consistent lethality at the hands of Owakening and Maurice ‘Fero’ Henriquez.
Playing Florida twice in your new lineup’s first event is a tough draw, so OpTic should be content with how competitive they kept each series. Florida, meanwhile, gets a trip to the Sunday semifinals and confirmation that the team is now locked in for a first-round bye, at least, in this season’s Champs.
The day’s most highly anticipated matchup ended up being one of its most disappointing, as the Empire looked completely comfortable ending New York’s 12-map winning streak and sweeping them into the losers’ bracket.
While each map was somewhat close, the Subliners never truly seemed to gain momentum. Dallas, meanwhile, seemed so unconcerned that Ian ‘Crimsix’ Porter even brought out the Grau for a very rare appearance outside of Verdansk. But, with Indervir ‘iLLeY’ Dhaliwal rocking the sniper on S&D, Anthony ‘Shotzzy’ Cuevas-Castro proved why Dallas continues to stroll into Championship Sundays: their SMG players have ice in their veins.
— DEXERTO Call of Duty #Warzone (@DexertoIntel) July 18, 2020
Los Angeles Guerrillas 1 – 3 Paris Legion
Last week, the Legion swept the Guerrillas for their first win in what felt like an eternity. This week, Los Angeles tested them but the result ended up being the same as Paris’ pure domination on S&D shifted the entire series in their favor.
With Luke ‘Louqa’ Rigas clicking heads as the S&D sniper while Matthew ‘KiSMET’ Tinsley and Denholm ‘Denz’ Taylor slayed out on respawn maps, Paris appeared to nestle into a strong rhythm — at the expense of the Guerrillas. It was Paris’ first St. Petrograd Hardpoint victory this season and the cementing of a 12th-place finish for the Guerrillas in 2020.
An absolute shocker. Before today, the Legion had been considered one of the league’s worst teams while the Subliners had proven themselves, just last week, to be among its best. New York’s 3-0 loss against an imposing Empire roster was disappointing but somewhat understandable, this sweep was on a completely different level.
A rough note to end the season on, but the Subliners have done enough this year, with 140 CDL Points, to ensure a Winners’ Bracket Round 1 seed for August’s Champs. The Legion still have more work to prove, but their Day 2 performances showed impressive poise and balanced control over their preferred maps.
Can the Mutineers win a third consecutive Home Series? What didn’t feel feasible at the start of Day 2 now most certainly looms as a possibility. But first they’ll need to beat an Empire lineup that looks remarkably comfortable in this new meta.
The Royal Ravens feel like a lock to beat the Legion on one side of the semifinals, but so did the Subliners — so that feels impossible to predict. Conversely, the Empire and Mutineers matchup presents an entirely different conundrum. Each is an obvious top-tier team with 17 wins and each has been dominant online.
Dallas does seem to benefit most from their SMG stars, iLLeY and Shotzzy, while Florida’s strength often stems from Owakening’s impact on AR, so this matchup will be a riveting one for fans curious to see how this new meta plays out at the highest level.
Day 3 Schedule – July 19
Group A Bracket
Group B Bracket
Playoff Bracket
Remember, you can keep up with all of the Call of Duty action and watch these matches live via our London Home Series hub, which includes live streams, updated scores, brackets, and more.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
