Nagafen on Representing Str8 Rippin: I've Always Wanted to Bring Them into CoD

The 2019 Call of Duty World League (CWL) season for Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 has kicked off with CWL Vegas, as the best Call of Duty teams in the world are competing for the lion's share of the $250,000 prize pool and title of CWL Vegas champions.

One of these teams is legendary esports organization Str8 Rippin, a staple in the world of Halo esports, who are making looking to establish their mark in the world of professional Call of Duty with the roster of Jared "Nagafen" Harrell, Michael "Spacely" Schmale, Michael "MajorManiak" Szymaniak, Colt "Havok" McLendon and Chance "Maux" Moncivaez. 

After defeating the CWL Vegas open bracket team of Mazer in their first match on Saturday, December 8th Str8 Rippin was able to push their pool play record to 3-1 and set themselves up very well for a spot in the winners bracket of CWL Vegas.

.@Str8Rippin make quick work of @MazerHQ in the series sweep, Str8 finish pools 3-1 and in prime position for a Winners Bracket spot at #CWLPS4 Vegas!https://t.co/NKHQSgV6Gh#CWLPS4 | #CWLVegas pic.twitter.com/NSXueqDrF0

— Call of Duty World League (@CODWorldLeague) December 8, 2018

Twin Galaxies was able to sit down and speak with Nagafen of Str8 Rippin after his team's victory over Mazer and get his thoughts on representing the fan favorite organization in Call of Duty at CWL Vegas, how no one should be surprised that their online success has translated well to LAN and his motivation for the highly anticipated tournament.

"I've always been a fan of Str8 Rippin since back in the day in Halo and playing for them is a really fun experience," said Nagafen. "Knowing how they were back in the day and feeling like I can do something great with them for this event, it feels good. I've always wanted to bring them into CoD (Call of Duty) one day."

Leading up to CWL Vegas teams across the Call of Duty esports scene competed in various online tournaments to earn prize money, pro points and collect strong practice against other top teams. Nagafen and the rest of the Str8 Rippin Black Ops 4 team secured multiple top placements in more than one of these online tournaments.

While some of the community speculated that the online success that Str8 Rippin saw online would not translate to the LAN environment of CWL Vegas, Str8 Rippin have proven this false with a 3-1 record currently in Pool C. Nagafen believes that this should not be a shocking result when looking at the likes of eUnited and Team Kaliber the past two years.

"It happens every year. For example, last year it was Team Kaliber online. They were doing really well in 2Ks," Nagafen told Twin Galaxies. "Same thing with eUnited in the game before that. They were doing really well online. It always transfers to LAN, which no one ever wants to believe, but it does."

GGs to @MazerHQ as we get the 3-0 ? for the series! This makes our record 3-1 in Pool C! #StayRIPPIN #CWLPS4 pic.twitter.com/3ttdFBlJaX

— Str8 Rippin (@Str8Rippin) December 8, 2018

"My motivation, personally, was that my WWII year was not the greatest at all," Nagafen continued when addressing his motivation heading into CWL Vegas with Str8 Rippin. "I really wanted to bring it back this year."

With a greatly motivated Nagafen and the rest of the talented Str8 Rippin Black Ops 4 roster already showing they are a top threat in the world of professional Call of Duty with a 3-1 record so far at CWL Vegas, the veteran esports organization has had a near perfect start to making its mark in the CWL for the 2019 season.

(cover photo courtesy of Nagafen, Str8 Rippin and Call of Duty World League)