Category: Worldwide

Historically speaking, tequila hasn’t really gotten the respect it deserves as a sipping spirit. Perhaps because of too many faded memories of brutal, cheap tequila shots taken with a wedge of lime. Or maybe because there are so many great mixed tequila drinks — from margaritas to palomas — that it’s easy to forget all the great sipping tequilas out there. That changes now.

If you’ve never enjoyed a glass of tequila neat or on the rocks, you’re missing out on a complex, vegetal, flavorful experience. Just ask Kevin Moran, general manager at Seagar’s Prime in South Walton, Florida, who reps hard for Don Julio 1942.

“1942 is 100% Agave and from Jalisco,” he says. “This añejo tequila is aged a minimum of two and a half years in oak, giving it a distinctive sweet vanilla character. No need for lime and salt thank you, this is a ‘sipping’ bottle.”

If you don’t have any qualified sippers on hand, it’s time to order a few bottles for Easter weekend delivery. If you’re stumped on what to get, don’t worry — some of our favorite bartenders have your back.

Clase Azul Reposado

Joseph Palminteri, director of food and beverages at Via Sophia in Washington DC

My go-to tequila in Clase Azul Reposado. It’s an ultra-premium reposado tequila made with Tequilana Weber Blue Agave that is slow-cooked in traditional stone ovens for a minimum of 72 hours. Once the agave reaches a deep, rich flavor, it is fermented with proprietary yeast prior to distillation. Once the tequila is distilled, it is aged for 8 months in hand-selected oak barrels. This process results in a superb, smooth taste that exceeds expectations with each sip.

Tequila Fortaleza

Nate Simmons, bartender at Garden & Grain in Pensacola, Florida

Tequila Fortaleza from Tequila, Mexico. This brand is everything that is right about craft spirits. Family brand, years of experience, the best ingredients, and prepared the right way. The blanco, reposado, anejo, and the still strength are all great to enjoy neat.

Tequila Ocho Extra Anejo

Mazzarie Parker, bar manager of Maypop Restaurant in New Orleans

Tequila Ocho Extra Anejo was the first high-end tequila that truly changed the way I thought of tequila. You can taste the notes of peaches and apricots balanced with warm baking spices; a level of elegance and complexity that made me appreciate tequila in a whole new light. I’ve always been someone who will shoot tequila (with salt, lime, and dread), but this tequila is truly a treat.

Don Suenos Anejo

Bryan Long, assistant director of food & beverage at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Palm Beach, Florida

The best tequila is Don Suenos Anejo. This anejo has a smooth finish with hints of citrus and vanilla, with grassy undertones and a final touch of pepper. The small family farm out of Jalisco has been producing agave for 43 years.

Don Julio Anejo

Miki Nikolic, beverage director at The Double Dealer in New Orleans

I love honey and vanilla. That’s why I have to say Don Julio Anejo. It has a rich taste that I haven’t been able to find in another tequila.

Espolon Anejo

Cody Dillon, general manager at Florblanca in Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

The best sipping tequila is Espolon. The anejo and super anejo offer a consumer-friendly price point and drinkability. I enjoy drinking the anejo on the rocks with a squeeze of fresh lime.

Herradura Reposado

Courtney Everett, bartender at O-Ku Sushi in Atlanta

I like Casamigos Blanco and Herradura Reposado. They’re both delicious and great to sip over ice. They’re both good quality, but for the price point, I usually stick to Herradura.

123 Anejo

Josh Saphier, bartender at Eighteen36 in Houston

When enjoying tequila neat I typically go with an anjeo. I enjoy the 123 Tequila Anejo. Certified organic and bottled at the estate. This tequila is rich in flavor, super smooth, no burn at all and as you let it open up, more and more flavors present themselves.

Roca Patron Silver

Josh Streetman, bartender at Motor Supply Co. in Columbia, South Carolina

Tequila for me is best enjoyed either in an unaged silver or blanco style or extra anejo at three years or older. For the former go for a single estate Patron or Roca Silver. Also, Arte Nom which is the highest elevation production available, if you can find it. On the latter side, I like Avion Reserva 44 and Tears of Llorona.

Don Julio 1942

Natalie Migliarini, the mixologist behind Beautiful Booze on Instagram

Don Julio 1942 tequila. This is my go-to celebration tequila but who needs a celebration these days to drink some liquid gold. I enjoy the roasted agave notes as well as the hints of vanilla.

Qui Extra Anejo

Piero Procida, bartender at The London West Hollywood in Los Angeles

Qui Extra Anejo tequila, by far. There are many great tequilas out there, but an inexpensive price point and very high-quality product puts this tequila as one of my favorites and the best in my opinion. The quality is superb and on par with many high-level tequilas. It is smooth enough to drink by itself as a sipping tequila and being an extra anejo you certainly do not want to alter the flavor with anything else but to simply enjoy by itself.

Philadelphia-born model and rapper Chynna tragically passed away Wednesday night at the age of 25, an unexpected end to a career with so much more to accomplish. A member of A$AP Mob, Chynna was loved and adored throughout the music industry, and many sent condolences and love to her family and friends. The day after her passing, NBC News reported that the Philadelphia Department of Public Health revealed the cause of death to be an accidental drug overdose.

News of her passing was reported by The Wrap Wednesday night after they received a statement from her family through her management team, which read in part: “Chynna was deeply loved and will be sorely missed.”

Chynna had previously admitted to struggles with opiate addiction, specifically in a 2018 interview with Pitchfork that took place during a period of sobriety. “It got to the point where I had to do something just to be able to get onstage and do my job. I didn’t like that. That was taking it too far, because it stops being fun and starts being because you have to, and that’s when you need to chill.”

Chynna signed to Ford Models at the age of 14, and she launched her musical career in 2013 with her single “Selfie.” She joined the A$AP Mob prior to the release of “Selfie.” Her most recent project, In Case I Die First, was released in December 2019.

Since his passing in December, fans of Juice WRLD have been able to hear new music from the rapper thanks to collaborations he recorded prior to passing. First a 14-minute freestyle aired on Charlie Sloth’s Fire In The Booth show, followed by posthumously released appearances on “Godzilla” with Eminem, “PTSD” with G Herbo, and “Suicidal (Remix)” with YNW Melly. As per fellow Chicago rapper Lil Bibby, it looks like a posthumous Juice WRLD album is on the horizon.

Lil Baby released a video of him and Juice WRLD to Instagram, reminiscing about his time with Juice in the video’s caption. “Miss my lil bro walking round wit skateboards and sh*t, playing wit Yugio cards and watching Naruto,” he said. Returning to the video to add a later comment, Lil Bibby revealed that Juice WRLD’s posthumous album was on the way saying, “Album coming soon.”

Aside from being a rapper, Lil Bibby is also an executive at Grade A Productions, the same label Juice was signed to, so his announcement of a posthumous album can be taken with a bit more than a grain of salt. It was also reported back in January that Juice WRLD has over 2,000 unreleased songs.

Bob Dylan’s new single, “Murder Most Foul” about the assassination of John F. Kennedy and its impact on America is his first to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song is remarkable because it does a great job at documenting the history of the event while also portraying the raw emotional energy surrounding the assassination.

Dylan has written songs that went to number one for other artists, Peter, Paul and Mary’s “Blowin’ in the Wind” (1963) and the Byrds’ “Mr. Tambourine Man” (1965). But, at the tender age of 78, this is the first in Dylan’s own name.

He reached number two on the Hot 100 twice in 1965 with “Like a Rolling Stone” (1965) “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” (a.k.a “Everybody Must Get Stoned”). He hit #2 on the Adult Alternative charts in 2000 with “Things Have Changed.”

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Bob Dylan – Murder Most Foul (Official Audio)

www.youtube.com

“Murder Most Foul” by Bob Dylan

1.

‘Twas a dark day in Dallas – November ’63
The day that will live on in infamy
President Kennedy was riding high
A good day to be living and a good day to die
Being led to the slaughter like a sacrificial lamb
Say wait a minute boys, do you know who I am?
Of course we do, we know who you are
Then they blew off his head when he was still in the car
Shot down like a dog in broad daylight
‘Twas a matter of timing and the timing was right
You got unpaid debts and we’ve come to collect
We’re gon’ kill you with hatred and without any respect
We’ll mock you and shock you, we’ll grin in your face
We’ve already got someone here to take your place
The day that they blew out the brains of the king
Thousands were watching, no one saw a thing
It happened so quickly – so quick by surprise
Right there in front of everyone’s eyes

Greatest magic trick ever under the sun
Perfectly executed, skillfully done
Wolfman, oh wolfman, oh wolfman, howl
Rub a dub dub – it’s murder most foul

2.
Hush li’l children, you’ll soon understand
The Beatles are coming they’re gonna hold your hand
Slide down the bannister, go get your coat
Ferry ‘cross the Mersey and go for the throat
There’s three bums comin’ all dressed in rags
Pick up the pieces and lower the flags
I’m going to Woodstock, it’s the Aquarian Age
Then I’ll go over to Altamont and sit near the stage
Put your head out the window, let the good times roll
There’s a party going on behind the grassy knoll
Stack up the bricks and pour the cement
Don’t say Dallas don’t love you, Mr. President
Put your foot in the tank and step on the gas
Try to make it to the triple underpass
Black face singer – white face clown
Better not show your faces after the sun goes down

I’m in the red-light district like a cop on the beat
Living in a nightmare on Elm Street
When you’re down on deep Ellum put your money in your shoe
Don’t ask what your country can do for you
Cash on the barrel head, money to burn
Dealey Plaza, make a left hand turn
I’m going to the crossroads, gonna flag a ride
That’s the place where Faith, Hope and Charity died
Shoot ’em while he runs, boy, shoot ’em while you can
See if you can shoot the Invisible Man
Goodbye, Charlie, goodbye Uncle Sam
Frankly, Miss Scarlet, I don’t give a damn
What is the truth and where did it go
Ask Oswald and Ruby – they oughta know
Shut your mouth, says the wise old owl
Business is business and it’s murder most foul

3.
Tommy can you hear me, I’m the Acid Queen
I’m ridin’ in a long black Lincoln limousine
Ridin’ in the back seat, next to my wife
Heading straight on into the afterlife
I’m leaning to the left, got my head in her lap
Oh Lord, I’ve been led into some kind of a trap
We ask no quarter, no quarter do we give
We’re right down the street from the street where you live
They mutilated his body and took out his brain
What more could they do, they piled on the pain
But his soul was not there where it was supposed to be at
For the last fifty years they’ve been searching for that
Freedom, oh freedom, freedom over me
Hate to tell you, Mister, but only dead men are free
Send me some loving – tell me no lie
Throw the gun in the gutter and walk on by
Wake Up, Little Suzie, let’s go for a drive
Cross the Trinity River, let’s keep hope alive
Turn the radio on, don’t touch the dials
Parkland Hospital’s only six more miles
You got me Dizzy Miss Lizzy, you filled me with lead
That magic bullet of yours has gone to my head
I’m just a patsy like Patsy Cline
I never shot anyone from in front or behind
Got blood in my eyes, got blood in my ear
I’m never gonna make it to the New Frontier

Zapruder’s film, I’ve seen that before
Seen it thirty three times, maybe more
It’s vile and deceitful – it’s cruel and it’s mean
Ugliest thing that you ever have seen
They killed him once, they killed him twice
Killed him like a human sacrifice
The day that they killed him, someone said to me, “Son,
The age of the anti-Christ has just only begun.”
Air Force One coming in through the gate
Johnson sworn in at two thirty-eight
Let me know when you decide to throw in the towel
It is what it is and it’s murder most foul

4.
What’s New Pussycat – wha’d I say
I said the soul of a nation been torn away
It’s beginning to go down into a slow decay
And that it’s thirty-six hours past judgment day
Wolfman Jack, he’s speaking in tongues
He’s going on and on at the top of his lungs
Play me a song, Mr. Wolfman Jack
Play it for me in my long Cadillac
Play that Only The Good Die Young
Take me to the place where Tom Dooley was hung
Play St. James Infirmary in the court of King James
If you want to remember, better write down the names
Play Etta James too, play I’d Rather Go Blind
Play it for the man with the telepathic mind
Play John Lee Hooker play Scratch My Back
Play it for that strip club owner named Jack
Guitar Slim – Goin’ Down Slow
Play it for me and for Marilyn Monroe
And please, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood
Play it for the First Lady, she ain’t feeling that good
Play Don Henley – play Glenn Frey
Take it to the Limit and let it go by
And play it for Carl Wilson, too
Lookin’ far, far away down Gower Avenue
Play Tragedy, play Twilight Time
Take Me Back to Tulsa to the scene of the crime
Play another one and Another One Bites the Dust
Play the Old Rugged Cross and in G-d We Trust
Ride the Pink Horse down that Long, Lonesome Road
Stand there and wait for his head to explode
Play Mystery Train for Mr. Mystery
The man who fell down dead, like a rootless tree
Play it for the Reverend, play it for the Pastor
Play it for the dog that’s got no master
Play Oscar Peterson and play Stan Getz
Play Blue Sky, play Dickie Betts
Play Art Pepper, play Thelonious Monk
Charlie Parker and all that junk
All that junk and All That Jazz
Play something for The Birdman of Alcatraz
Play Buster Keaton play Harold Lloyd
Play Bugsy Siegel play Pretty Boy Floyd
Play all the numbers, play all the odds
Play Cry Me A River for the Lord of the Gods
Play number nine, play number six
Play it for Lindsey and Stevie Nicks
Play Nat King Cole, play Nature Boy
Play Down in the Boondocks for Terry Malloy
Play It Happened One Night and One Night of Sin
There’s twelve million souls that are listening in
Play the Merchant of Venice, play the merchants of death
Play Stella by Starlight for Lady Macbeth
Don’t worry Mr. President, help’s on the way
Your brothers are comin’, there’ll be hell to pay
Brothers? What brothers? What’s this about hell?
Tell ’em we’re waitin’- keep coming – we’ll get ’em as well
Love Field is where his plane touched down
But it never did get back up off of the ground
Was a hard act to follow, second to none
They killed him on the altar of the Rising Sun
Play Misty for me and that Old Devil Moon
Play Anything Goes and Memphis in June
Play Lonely at the Top and Lonely Are the Brave
Play it for Houdini spinning around in his grave
Play Jelly Roll Morton, play Lucille
Play Deep in a Dream and play Drivin’ Wheel
Play Moonlight Sonata in F sharp
And Key to the Highway by the king of the harp
Play Marchin’ Through Georgia and Dumbarton’s drum
Play Darkness and death will come when it comes
Play Love Me or Leave Me by the great Bud Powell
Play the Blood Stained Banner – play Murder Most Foul

Sports networks are yearning for content in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and, while much has been made of programming decisions like ESPN’s shifting broadcast window for The Last Dance documentary, those choices represent only a small piece of the pie at this time. For NBC and its empire, the absence of the 2020 Olympics will leave a gaping hole in the broadcast calendar this summer but, while there is at least some hope that other sports will be rolling by then, NBC Sports is making a big-time content play for April.

On Thursday, NBC announced the decision to present “nearly 100 hours of historical Olympic Games moments from the past 30+ years,” beginning on April 13. The first week will include nightly primetime programming from the last two summer games, with April 13-15 focusing on a “Return to Rio” from 2016 and April 16-18 centering on a “Return to London” and the 2012 games.

From Monday, April 13, through Saturday, April 18, NBCSN will present nightly primetime programming from the 2016 Rio Games and the 2012 London Games, highlighting memorable Olympic moments and athletes, including Michael Phelps, Simone Biles, Usain Bolt, Katie Ledecky, Allyson Felix, Kerri Walsh Jennings, and many others. On Sunday night, NBCSN will feature two Olympic Films at 10:30 p.m. ET. From there, NBCSN will air a pair of documentary films on April 19.

When the first week is over, the content will continue, first with two nights of a “Return to Beijing” that will highlight the 2008 games. Then, the broadcast will shift to what NBC describes as “dynasties” with one night dedicated to USA men’s basketball, one night for USA women’s basketball, and two nights of programming focused on USA women’s gymnastics.

As one might guess, some of the biggest names in the sports world will be prominently featured, ranging from Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky in the pool to Simone Biles, Usain Bolt and countless others. It would be fair to say that there is nothing that can quite replace the feel of live Olympic action and individuals from around the globe paying close attention in unison but, in short, it makes a ton of sense for NBC Sports to put this kind of content on the air and it seems like a safe bet to project a ratings uptick as a result of the decision.

The Houston Texans turned heads earlier this offseason when superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. While the move netted them running back David Johnson and gave them an additional second-round draft pick, it left a gigantic hole at wide receiver across from Will Fuller. But on Thursday evening, the team attempted to remedy this by pulling off a deal for Brandin Cooks.

The news of the deal was first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, and soon after, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle indicated that a pair of picks would also be involved in the deal: A future fourth-round selection is heading to the Texans, while the Los Angeles Rams would get a second-round pick in the 2020 Draft.

While Cooks struggled last season, catching 42 balls for 583 yards and a pair of scores, he has been quite productive over the course of his his career, which will now be on its fourth stop in seven seasons. Prior to the previous campaign, Cooks had four straight years with at least 65 receptions, 1,082 yards, and five touchdowns, something that Houston could use. If Cooks cannot find his old form, though, this could be a tough pill for the Texans to swallow, as he’s signed through the 2023 campaign and makes a whole lot of money.

Despite not fighting in more than three years, Domnick Cruz is stepping immediately into a title fight at UFC 250 when he squares off with Henry Cejudo for the bantamweight crown.

The original title bout was scheduled to be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on May 9, with Jose Aldo as the challenger. According to Globo, the UFC legend’s United States work visa recently expired, and with the COVID-19 pandemic, the American embassy in Brazil is not currently renewing work visas. The UFC 250 card has no confirmed location as of this writing, but it’s expected to held at the same spot as UFC 249, which is apparently at a casino on native land in Californa.

Cruz hasn’t competed in the UFC since he lost the bantamweight crown against Cody Garbrandt in late 2016. Injuries have kept him out of the Octagon as of late, but he was preparing for a return against a top contender, looking to earn his way back into a title fight. Instead, he’ll slide ahead of other top contenders to face off with Cejudo, who has won his last five fights.

In his first fight of 2020, Cejudo will look to follow up on a stellar 2019 that saw him successfully defend the flyweight title against TJ Dillashaw before claiming the vacant bantamweight belt in a TKO victory over Marlon Moraes.

No sports entity has been more defiant about continuing to hold events despite the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic than the UFC — well, unless you count WWE. Dana White has been insistent on UFC 249 still taking place on April 18, despite stay-at-home orders in most states currently lasting through April 30.

The plan was to have the event, headlined by Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje, at a casino on native land in central California, where UFC 250 also would take place with a main event featuring Henry Cejudo and Dominick Cruz. However, with just over a week out from the fight, Dana White and UFC have apparently been forced to cancel UFC 249 and postpone all future events, per ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, who cites White indicating things were taken out of his control.

According to Ariel Helwani, ESPN was not willing to put on the production of the events and put its staff in that situation, and due to their TV contract, UFC had no option but to postpone.

It is, ultimately, the right decision for the safety of all involved and may save UFC from a self-induced disaster should there have ended up being a fighter that competed and then later tested positive. Now, there will not be any fights happening in the near future, as UFC now finds itself dealing with the same uncertainty about when it can return as every other league and entity.

It’s a stacked week in hip-hop as rappers continue to take advantage of the downtime provided by social distancing to finish up their projects and capitalize on a very-close-to-literally captive audience. It’s also an extremely women-centric week, as not just one, but three women add to the rapidly growing canon of female focused rap music.

Here are all the best hip-hop albums coming out this week.

2kBaby — Pregame Rituals

At all of 19 years old, the Louisville, Kentucky rapper first garnered attention with his “Old Streets” freestyle, leading to a deal with Warner Records. His debut EP for the label features G Herbo, Lil Durk, and YFN Lucci, along with the single “Faxts” and a remix of “Old Streets.” He balances singing and rapping throughout his catalog, rhyming about the struggles and trauma of growing up in Louisville, in his words, “really starving.”

Asian Doll — Doll SZN Reloaded

10 projects deep into her career, Asian Doll is still ripping through fierce, no-holds-barred verses alternating between gritty, street-centric boasts and vulnerable, autobiographical rap ballads about her upbringing in Dallas, Texas. The EP is her first since splitting with Gucci Mane’s label, 1017. It features one guest appearance from King Von and all of her usual acerbic, unapologetic attitude.

Kari Faux — Lowkey Superstar

The title of Kari Faux’s latest is no fluke; as a veteran of the original early 2010s blog rap boom, she’s been around and buzzing for nearly eight years. Springboarding off of the success of her 2019 EP, Cry 4 Help, Kari’s billing Lowkey Superstar as her coming out moment as she comes into herself and overcomes some of the anxiety that’s held her back at parts of her career. As she admitted on her Instagram, she almost psyched herself out of releasing the project — let’s all thank our lucky stars she didn’t.

Kierra Luv — Take It Or Leave It

The third woman on this week’s list comes from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and raps like her life depends on it. She’s been co-signed by Cardi B, counts Diddy, Lil Wayne, and Nelly as her influences, and spits rapid-fire, complex raps with the mentality of a rapper several years her senior. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention? She’s only 18 years old. You might not guess it to hear her spit; she’s got an old soul and a flow to match — but she’s not a stuck-in-the-’90s rapper either, more than comfortable with modern styles.

Smoke DZA — Ringside 8

The prolific Harlem, New York rapper who calls himself “the Kush God” has dropped an absolutely unreal number of projects over the years — this one is his second of 2020. Fortunately, it’s a quick listen at just five songs, paying homage to his love of wrestling with producer 183rd. Sampling wrestlers’ intro themes — including Goldberg, Sting, and The Nation Of Domination — DZA raps clever, cool bars about his luxury lifestyle with all the slickness of a New York City hustler.

Tory Lanez — New Toronto 3

The final project on his Interscope deal, New Toronto 3 finds the Torontonian going solo for 14 of its 16 tracks. With the success of this Quarantine Radio livestreams, it’s likely to be one of his most successful projects as well.

YSN Flow — Flow SZN

At all of 16 years old, he’s one of the youngest buzzing rappers in the game, but he’s proved he deserves the looks. With a style reminiscent of New York’s Lil Tjay, and a gift for singsong melodies and sharply observant bars, he’s got a cross-generational appeal blended with a fresh outlook.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

The thrill of seeing elite gamers throwdown, tossing out barbs and leaning into both team rivalries and the delightful chaos of a head to head match returns on Friday with the return of Call of Duty League, offering all the excitement of standard tournament play from the comforts of the homes of pros that are taking to the virtual battlefield.

Call of Duty League has been on pause since its March 8 event in Los Angeles due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the month off has allowed the organization to retool its setup to work at home. A lot has happened in the interim in the Call of Duty world. More than 30 million people have played the game’s Warzone battle royale mode and Playstation gamers have gotten a remastered Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

For the pros playing in CDL, however, the time off has been all about watching film, staying in shape, and honing skills that give them an edge in competition. Practices and scrimmages have continued, and there’s been a good amount of pickup gaming among pros to keep sharp. Having matches on the schedule is certainly welcome news for pros itching to get back to competition.

“It feels great, to be honest because just practicing without a tournament in sight or a goal in sight gets kind of tiring,” New York Subliners ace Lamar “Accuracy” Abedi told Uproxx. “Right when the schedule was announced it was a rejuvenation of energy.”

Here’s what to expect on Friday and moving forward for Call of Duty League.

Small Changes

The league’s inaugural season launched in January to raucous crowds, but Friday marks the return to tournament play with an online-only format that presents some interesting challenges for squads. Though teams will still “host” tournament weekends, each group will play from home on CDL servers while the action is streamed around the world.

Online play brings potential latency problems, but the league has protocols in place to combat this and ensure competitive balance between teams. CDL hopes it can return to LAN events before the season ends in July, but stressed it wants to keep its players and fans safe while providing fair competition for all sides. According to pros, though, the real change is taking the crowd out of the equation.

“The biggest difference is just not having the energy of an arena filled with fans and the energy that brings,” Accuracy said. “That hype when you step up on that stage, you go into a different zone. Now we have to get into that zone from the comfort of our bedroom or wherever we’re playing.”

Accuracy lives in New York with his teammate, Dillon “Attach” Price. They’ll play from their apartment once the Subliners start play against Chicago on April 24, and he said it’s a mental game to keep focused on the magnitude of each match regardless of where you’re playing.

A Welcome Opportunity

Call of Duty League has a unique opportunity in its return because it’s one of the few sports organizations that can safely hold competitions. It’s certainly not lost on anyone involved that there will be a big chance to attract new fans. Twitch streaming numbers are up as people look for things to watch, and though online-only competitions mean fewer camera angles, the action will feature casters and live gaming to watch on the league’s YouTube page.

It’s also a chance for CDL to offer a competitive, professional product at a time when people are looking for new and exciting distractions, as indicated by league commissioner Johnna Fries in a statement.

“I spent many years at the NFL, and saw firsthand how sports can lift the human spirit,” Faries said in a statement. “No one wants to be in this situation, but we are, and we’re thankful that Call of Duty League can forge ahead and deliver live competition to fans when it’s probably needed most.”

Crowded At The Top

There’s no surprise when it comes to what teams to keep an eye on this weekend and beyond. The Chicago Huntsman have lived up to the hype and are tied with the Atlanta FaZe for first place in the league. Just below them with 80 points is the Dallas Empire, while Minnesota Røkkr sit with 70 points in fourth place. Those four are the ones to beat through the season’s home stretch, and whether Atlanta and Chicago can shake off the rust and stay at the top of their game will largely determine how the season plays out.

“This late into the season we know which teams are really good and which teams are at the top top. ” Accuracy said. “Faze, Dallas and Chicago are the teams everyone has had their eye on. Those are the ones that everyone is like, ‘OK we have to really focus up for this match.”

Notable Additions And Exclusions

One big change for the Subliners — who have struggled and are tied for last place this year — is the addition of Makenzie “Mack” Kelley, an amateur who turned 18 and became pro-eligible in 2020.

Accuracy raved about Mack and the energy he’s brought to Subliners practices.

“Him being that fresh young talent and bringing that new vibe to our team definitely helped us a lot,” Accuracy said. “He also gave us a new perspective on the game compared to how we were playing before. So being able to combine that with how we were playing previously definitely leveled our team up a lot.”

New York will have a bit more time to prepare for their next shot at tournament play as it’s one of four teams not playing in the tournament this weekend, including top-ranked Atlanta, the London Royal Ravens and OpTic Gaming Los Angeles. But that doesn’t mean it’s a weekend off for anyone in Call of Duty League.

“I love watching film. It’s one of the biggest things that’s helped me get better as a player,” Accuracy said. “And I’m gonna be watching these matches religiously this weekend, dissecting everything I can to take it back to our team and see what we can pick up on.”

The action kicks off Friday 4/10 at 4pm EST. You can tune in all weekend through Sunday and follow the rest of the season here on Uproxx.