After a 7th/8th place finish at the first CDL major of 2021, Toronto Ultra has informed Anthony “Methodz” Zinni that he has been benched. Currently, the Ultra sits in ninth place when it comes to regular-season record and overall CDL points.
Methodz finds himself benched after CDL Stage 1. Image via Joe Brady - Blizzard
Ultra has a 3-5 series record and a 15-20 map record with Methodz starting. They began the season with a 3-1 victory over the Florida Mutineers during opening weekend. But the team went 0-4 during Super Week, dropping losses to Atlanta, Chicago, Paris, and the LA Guerillas. They started in the worst position at the major in the first round of the loser’s bracket. They won five-map series against both London and Minnesota but were eliminated by LA Thieves in a 3-0 sweep.
A surprising decision
The news comes as a shock to both Methodz and several members of the community. Methodz has been a positive factor for Ultra and a huge aspect of the limited success that the team has found. CDL analyst Anthony “NAMELESS” Wheeler called it “a horrible decision” from Ultra on Twitter. “I’ve never been more heated at a team decision! Dude works hard as hell and performs. Draws the short end all the time in these situations. Doesn’t deserve this.” Several other pro players expressed their dismay as well.
Methodz was the lone North American player to remain on the team when they transitioned from 5v5 Modern Warfare to 4v4 Black Ops. Less than a month ago, Ultra recalled Jamie “Insight” Craven from a loan to pickup team Slammed, and many expect he will be moved into the starting lineup over Methodz. Many fans are disappointed to see Methodz get dropped after an entire career of short tenures with various Call of Duty teams.
Ultra returns to action for their Home Series to kick off Stage 2, which begins on March 18.
