Call of Duty Rule Change Sparks Outrage Against Esports World Cup

The Esports World Cup 2025 is taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ahead of the event, it has been learned that, for the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 event, teams can now have coaches on stage with them to provide additional communication. 

This change has sparked some outrage and frustration from players and coaches. 

More About the Change

On July 17, the Esports World Cup announced that coaches can communicate directly with their teams during Hardpoint and Control matches. As for Search and Destroy, they can talk between rounds. 

With this change, coaches are now able to talk to their team, something that hasn't been allowed in about a decade. 

Some consider this change to be last-minute. 

“I’m praying coaches on stage is an EWC only thing and the CDL doesn’t adapt this moving forward," said Sam "Octane" Larew, the 2022 world champion. 

“The only real skill gap remaining in CoD is the player’s ability to make split-second decisions and understand the game. Anything to reduce that further is awful for our esport," he added. 

There are, however, opposing opinions, including those from Christopher "Parasite" Duarte, the 2013 world champion.

“Raises the ceiling for all teams, and coaching becomes more valuable. If you call something less skilled, then everyone should be better or equal, which drives more entertaining games," he said. 

Will this Impact the Call of Duty League?

The Call of Duty League (CDL) recently concluded its most-watched event to date. For now, it hasn't announced any changes to the current coaching rules. Currently, coaches in the CDL are permitted to communicate between maps during a series. 

The Esports World Cup is partnered with the league, though. This change could serve as a potential test to see how it affects the game. 

The Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 section of the Esports World Cup tournament begins on July 24 and concludes on July 27. 

There will be 16 teams competing for the prize pool of $1.8 million.