The anticipation is over as the latest edition of Call of Duty League (CDL) trading cards for the 2022-23 season has been officially unveiled and is now up for grabs on Upper Deck’s website. While the exact checklist is still being finalized, fans can expect a collection that showcases players and highlights from Call of Duty: Vanguard and Modern Warfare 2, aligning with the format of the previous year’s release.
Of particular excitement is the introduction of trading cards for the Boston Breach, a fresh face in the CDL who made their debut during the Vanguard season, and OpTic Texas, a newly formed team resulting from the merger of Dallas Empire and OpTic Gaming. Enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting rookie cards for emerging stars like Scrap and possibly his teammate Ghosty, depending on the final roster.
Delving into the history of Call of Duty and trading cards, the competitive scene of Call of Duty traces back to the franchise’s inception in 2003. However, the official Call of Duty League was not established until 2019 with the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Since its inception, the CDL has revolutionized esports with its city-based team structure and regulated competition.
In 2022, Upper Deck entered into a partnership with CDL to release a trading card set featuring players from the Modern Warfare (2019) and Cold War seasons. Though this collaboration marked a significant milestone, it wasn’t the first venture into Call of Duty trading cards. In 2021, Call of Duty teamed up with Mountain Dew Game Fuel to produce a special set featuring top players like Seth “Scump” Abner and Thomas “ZooMaa” Paparatto.
With a strong foothold in the realm of esports collectibles, Upper Deck is a renowned name, holding licenses for both the Call of Duty League and the Overwatch League. Over the years, the company has rolled out numerous trading card sets, including unique series like the 2022 Upper Deck Call of Duty Game Dated Moments, which highlighted pivotal moments and rising stars such as Amer “Pred” Zulbeari, a prominent figure in OpTic Texas’s World Championship victory.
The launch of the 2022-23 trading cards aligns with the sixth season of the Call of Duty League, showcasing continued evolution from its predecessor, the Call of Duty World League. Prior to the CDL’s city-based format, esports entities competed with varied rosters in open tournaments, leading to an engaging and unpredictable competitive landscape.
As the latest trading cards hit the shelves, excitement mounts among fans and players, with some professionals expressing their enthusiasm for collecting these cards, further enriching the vibrant community surrounding the CDL. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, this year’s set provides an opportunity to own a slice of Call of Duty League history. Explore the collection on Upper Deck’s website and secure your favorite cards from the 2022-23 season!
