Call of Duty Mobile has revealed plans for a major new tournament centered around its extraction shooter mode. The inaugural DMZ Recon Invitational is scheduled to take place on February 6, 2026, bringing together prominent content creators to compete for a $50,000 prize pool.
This event marks a significant push for the game’s DMZ Recon mode, which was introduced in December 2025 as part of the Season 11 update. The tournament aims to showcase the tactical depth and high-stakes gameplay of the mode through a competitive format featuring well-known personalities from the gaming community.
Star-Studded Lineup and Format
The competition will feature 30 content creators divided into ten squads of three players each. These teams will battle against one another to secure the largest share of the $50,000 prize purse.
The roster of participants includes several notable figures from the esports and streaming worlds. Confirmed competitors include 100 Thieves founder Matt “Nadeshot” Haag, former professional player Anthony “Methodz” Zinni, and popular streamer Kalei Renay. Their involvement highlights the event’s focus on bridging the gap between casual entertainment and competitive play.
Understanding DMZ Recon
DMZ Recon serves as the mobile title’s answer to the extraction shooter genre. In this mode, players deploy into open maps with the primary objective of scavenging for loot and gear. Participants must navigate hostile environments filled with both AI-controlled enemies and rival human squads.
Success in DMZ Recon is defined by survival. Teams must successfully extract from the map to retain their collected items and progress. Failure to extract results in the loss of acquired loot, adding a layer of risk and tension to every match.
Viewer Rewards and Incentives
Fans tuning in to watch the DMZ Recon Invitational can earn exclusive in-game items. The developers have outlined a series of drops designed to reward viewership. Available prizes include in-game currency, DMZ vouchers, and a specialized DMZ Recon skin for the Song Operator. These rewards provide an immediate benefit for players looking to enhance their own experience in the mode.
The State of Call of Duty Mobile Esports in 2026
While the DMZ Recon Invitational provides an exciting start to the year, details regarding the broader 2026 esports circuit remain scarce. Following the conclusion of the 2025 World Championship, Activision has yet to release a comprehensive roadmap for the upcoming competitive season.
However, the publisher has implemented specific changes to the competitive ruleset based on player feedback from the previous year. These updates include adjustments to weapon roles, a revised map pool, and an increased round win limit for Search and Destroy matches. These technical refinements suggest that preparations for future competitive play are underway, even in the absence of a formal schedule announcement.
The invitational follows a precedent set by previous events, such as the August 2024 tournament hosted by Tencent and Garena in Asia, which featured a substantial prize pool. As the community awaits further news on the World Championship, the DMZ Recon Invitational serves as a key engagement point for fans and players alike.