Modern Warfare 2 pros overturn Sniper Rifle ban ahead of CDL Major 1

Modern Warfare 2 pros have overturned the shortlived GA ban on Sniper Rifles from competitive matches ahead of the start of Call of Duty League season, which starts with CDL Major 1 Qualifiers on December 2. 

The launch of any new Call of Duty means its player base has to spend some time figuring out the best weapons, equipment, scorestreaks, and more. 

That remains true for professional players as well, with GAs (gentlemen’s agreements) incredibly common. These allow the competitive community to exclude guns, equipment, and more that they feel is imbalanced, despite being technically allowed under CDL rules.

Now, ahead of the Call of Duty League season, MW2 pros have been going back and forth on a possible Sniper Rifle ban. However, just hours after seemingly removing them for good, they now once again appear to be safe for use.

MW2 pros GA Snipers temporarily ahead of CDL start

In a move that was sure to provoke backlash and debate, LA Thieves’ Sam ‘Octane’ Larew revealed in a 26 November tweet that pros had agreed to GA Snipers entirely. Something we’ve seen happen time and again in recent years.

The game mode specifically affected is Search and Destroy, with Snipers generally left alone in respawn game modes like Hardpoint. 

He said: “Hope you guys enjoy watching SND this year with no snipers! [We] played all of Vanguard with snipes and no smokes but geez it sure is overpowered! Sh*t’s comical.” 

Hope you guys enjoy watching SND this year with no snipers! Played all of Vanguard with snipes and no smokes but geez it sure is OP! Shits comical bruv

— Sam “Octane” Larew (@OctaneSam) November 27, 2022

A series of other CoD pros, including SlasheR, Simp, and Bance commented publicly on the topic, seemingly confirming the decision to ban Snipers. 

It has happened in previous CoD titles, but many fans enjoy the plays and gameplay variation brought by the weapon class. 

A number of prominent community figures spoke critically of the decision. Former CWL caster Jack ‘CouRage’ Dunlop said: “It’s an absolute joke that certain CDL players are trying to ban snipers this year. One of the most exciting parts of the game for a spectator. Help yourselves out man.” 

On a similar note former pro and 100 Thieves founder, Matthew ‘Nadeshot’ Haag, described it as “downright stupid.”

I don’t know both sides of the argument very well and haven’t been able to play MW2 competitively but regardless, GA’ing snipers out of Call of Duty for the CDL is just down right stupid. You guys are sucking the fun out of the game. No argument you can make would change my mind.

— 100T Nadeshot (@Nadeshot) November 27, 2022

Sniper ban overturned in a matter of hours

Just hours later and it appears the explosive reaction to sniper bans led to a swift backflip. Now, Sniper Rifles no longer appear on the GA list, according to CDL Intel, meaning they’re safe to use once again.

BREAKING: Sniper Rifles have been removed from the GA list.

— CDL Intel (@intelCDL) November 27, 2022

As always with the GA list, given there’s no governing body locking things into place, just players changing things around on the fly, we could always see yet another pivot. There’s still a few days yet before action gets underway for the 2022-2023 season.

The Call of Duty League is set to begin with Major 1 Qualifiers on December 2. Barring any changes, we’ll be treated to a Modern Warfare 2 build with Sniper Rifles. 

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