Why international e-sports teams struggle with Call of Duty’s powerful incumbents

During the day, they’re soldiers, students, and workers. But at night, they throw on their headsets, sync their controllers, and prepare for digital warfare, hoping that, some day, they can turn their love for Call of Duty into a career.

Not every team that participated in this year’s Call of Duty Championship consists of full-time professionals. For these players, competing is a hobby, but it’s one they take very seriously. The annual Los Angeles-based tournament — a joint effort between Microsoft, Call of Duty: Ghosts publisher Activision, and e-sports organization Major League Gaming — awards the top eight teams with cash from its $1 million prize pool.