The Imperial Return to Call of Duty to Send EU Team to CWL Anaheim

European esports organization ‘The Imperial’ has announced its return to Call of Duty esports, recruiting a UK based roster ahead of CWL Anaheim.

For those around long enough in CoD Esports, The Imperial may ring a bell from the very early days as far back as Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

The Imperial also fielded some of the very best European rosters in the Black Ops 1 and Modern Warfare 3 seasons, around 2010 to 2012.

Legendary players including Callum “Swanny” Swan have represented the fleur-di-lis logo of The Imperial, even names such as Dylan “MadCat” Daly, Joshua-Lee “Joshh” Sheppard and Philip “Momo” Whitfield once played for the organization.

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The Imperial made their first return to CoD esports in the Infinite Warfare season, but it was a fairly short-lived one, as the roster led by Shane “ShAnE” McKerral – a player long-associated with the organization – struggled to become one of the top teams.

After their worst finish, 29-36th place at the 2017 CWL Paris Open, The Imperial departed Call of Duty, but have announced their return with a new squad just in time for CWL Anaheim 2018.

Recruiting the winners of the CWL National Circuit Stage 3, previously playing under ‘Team 3G’ Nicholas “Nolson” Belton, Deleo “Zerg” Devitt, Niall “Niall” Sunderland and Josh “Creza” Burman.

Having won Stage 3 of the UK National Circuit, the team was a hot prospect with travel and accommodation to the Anaheim event secured.

The Imperial CEO, Oli Adams, as the team goes through a number of major announcements, explained the decision to return back to CoD, even this late in the season.

“I’m very happy to welcome this team to The Imperial. We’ve always said that the UK scene is very important to us and COD is certainly up there in this region”

The roster’s most recent result is a 5-8th finish in the June 10th EU CWL 2K, where they were beaten in a game five loss to a team featuring former Splyce player Thomas “Tommey” Trewren.

They are certainly one of the top European rosters at the amateur level currently, but will need to prove they can replicate their online performances at LAN, which these four players have struggled to do so far in the WWII season.

None of the players on this roster have managed better than top 32 at a major open event this season, but as with any open bracket team, their goal will be reaching pool play.