On January 24, the CDL opened the season with the Kickoff Classic that had 6 matches that were all voted on by the fans. With 89.7% of the vote, the fans voted for OpTic to face former player Matthew "Nadeshot" Haag's franchise the LA Thieves. OpTic won that match 3–0.
Prior to their match in the Kickoff Classic it was revealed that the Dallas Empire sent OpTic to Group B for Stage 1. Group B included the Atlanta FaZe, Florida Mutineers, Los Angeles Guerrillas, Paris Legion, and Toronto Ultra. Stage 1 was initially planned to consist of 3 home series on February 11–14, 18–21, and 25–28, however as a result of the Texas power crisis the final two weeks were condensed into a super week. It concluded with the Stage 1 Major happening on March 1–7.[7]
As a result of their 4–1 record in Stage 1, OpTic Chicago finished second in the Group B standings and qualified for the Winner's Bracket at the Major. At the major the team finished with a 2–2 record ultimately placing 4th overall.[8]
The Stage 2 groups were announced via the Call of Duty League's YouTube on 12 March. Atlanta FaZe sent OpTic to Group B for Stage 2. Group B also included the Dallas Empire, Florida Mutineers, Paris Legion, Minnesota Rokkr and Seattle Surge. Stage 2 consisted of the Toronto Ultra home series on March 18–21, Week 2 on March 25–28 and the Los Angeles Guerillas home series on April 1–4. It concluded with the Stage 2 Major on April 5–11.[9]
After finishing Stage 2 with a 3–2 record, the same record as Minnesota ROKKR and Dallas Empire, OpTic Chicago were subsequently seeded 2nd from Group B as a result of tiebreakers qualifying for the Winner's Bracket at the Major.[10] At the major the team finished with a 1–2 record, placing them tied for 5th with Los Angeles Thieves.[11]
The Stage 3 groups were announced via the Call of Duty League's YouTube on 16 April. Toronto Ultra sent OpTic to Group B for Stage 3. Group B also included the Atlanta FaZe, Los Angeles Thieves, New York Subliners, Seattle Surge and London Royal Ravens. Stage 3 consisted of the London Royal Ravens home series on April 22–25, Paris Legion home series April 29- May 2 and the Dallas Empire home series May 6–9. It concluded with the Stage 3 Major in the week of May 10.[12]
After finishing Stage 3 with a 2–3 record, OpTic Chicago were seeded 4th from Group B and were placed in the Loser's Bracket at the Major. At the major the team finished with a 3–1 record, placing them 4th overall.[13]
The Stage 4 groups were announced via the Call of Duty League's YouTube on 22 May. New York Subliners sent OpTic to Group A for Stage 4. Group A also included the Atlanta FaZe, Los Angeles Thieves, Minnesota ROKKR, Seattle Surge and Paris Legion. Stage 4 consisted of the OpTic Chicago home series on May 27–30, Florida Mutineers home series June 3–6 and the Los Angeles Thieves home series June 10–13. It concluded with the Stage 4 Major on June 17–20.[14]
After finishing Stage 4 with a 3–2 record, OpTic Chicago were seeded 2nd from Group A and were placed in the Winners's Bracket at the Major. At the major the team finished with a 2–2 record, placing them 4th overall.[15]
The Stage 5 groups were announced via the Call of Duty League's YouTube on 25 June. Dallas Empire sent OpTic to Group A for Stage 5. Group A also included the Atlanta FaZe, Los Angeles Thieves, New York Subliners, London Royal Ravens and Paris Legion. Stage 4 consisted of the New York Subliners home series on July 8–11, Minnesota ROKKR home series July 15–18 and the Seattle Surge home series July 22–25.[16] It will conclude with the Stage 5 Major on July 29–1 August, which will see the return of fans in attendance for the first time since February 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.[17]
After finishing Stage 5 with a 4–1 record, OpTic Chicago were seeded 1st from Group A and were placed in the Winners's Bracket at the Major with a first round bye.
