Katy Rigol
Writer
Katy is back in Slidell after just graduating from Northwestern State University of Louisiana with a degree in Communications. She has covered Louisiana’s esports scene extensively as a writer and currently works for New Orleans esports teams NOLA FLIGHT and Rabid Panda Gang.
Nicholas “nitr0” Cannella’s humble youth resembles many from Slidell, Louisiana. When I, a fellow resident of St. Tammany Parish’s largest city, discovered that a member of my favorite esports team was a local, I had what you might call a fangirl moment. But beyond embodying a real-life version of that Leo DiCaprio meme, pointing at the TV as I recognized local landmarks in Intel Gaming’s “Traces” mini-doc, I was truly inspired. I mean, here was an absolute esports icon and Tier-1 Counter-Strike professional, hailing from the very same mid-sized, Southern town across the lake from New Orleans. As someone who hoped to work in the esports industry myself, the whole revelation made these dreams seem more attainable. Cannella, who just recently retired and—as I like to say—put down his shield, met his future wife while both were attending Slidell Junior High. He’d hone his lucrative Counter-Strike skills after shifts at Lee’s Hamburgers on Gause Boulevard. Eventually, he’d attend (then drop out of) Louisiana State University, and for years after, Counter-Strike’s own “Captain America” served as a successful in-game leader for Team Liquid’s staple North American squad. As a fan of both Liquid and Nitr0, I’ve watched him play (and win) many times. But if I could sit down with the retired pro, maybe over some burgers at Lee’s, I’d like to simply ask what he thinks of Slidell. It’s undoubtedly special that a player as successful as Nitr0 still embraces his hometown and state. For folks like me, it’s truly inspiring. Follow me on Twitter @ratio_news
Early in my internship with NOLA FLIGHT, I had the opportunity to sit in and take notes on some key meetings. At the time, NOLA needed a new competitive Call of Duty team, so the staff had set up interviews with a handful of potential rosters. One of the players on one of these rosters was none other than Cayden “Shockzy” Pye. I don’t remember asking Shockzy anything in particular, but I do remember that he’d made a good impression. The whole group of four did, and so they joined NOLA. However, as most teams inevitably do, the group that I had taken notes on in that original interview eventually disbanded. Except, Shockzy quickly returned to NF— Why? “This kind of community,” he says appreciatively. “This love and support.” At the mention of NOLA’s passionate community, I can’t help but explain that I’m also a big fan of “The Shock God.” Of course, along with the highs of representing a loyal New Orleans fanbase comes the adverse lows of competing in a fickle Call of Duty scene, like when one of Shockzy’s peers suddenly joined another squad. “I landed in Texas and my teammate was gone.” He chuckles and adds, “I’m happy for him. I can’t be mad.” We talk about how Cayden started competing in his senior year on Black Ops 4, how he took “every chall” playing 2019’s Modern Warfare. We talk about the tournament runs and victories and losses: Boston and Toronto, opponents like MajorManiak and GodRX, the placings in Top 24, Top 8, Top 3 and so on. But when I ask the Shock God if he has any final comments about his career so far, he makes sure to shout out each of his teammates and staff. “Very tippable.” Follow me on Twitter @rationews
The Call of Duty League (CDL) Challengers is a competitive circuit for amateur teams and players to make names for themselves. This past weekend, NOLA FLIGHT took part in the circuit’s Last Chance Qualifiers, vying for a coveted spot at the upcoming Champs event in Las Vegas. For 19-year-olds “Nemensions” and “Craze,” NF mainstay “Shockzy” and formidable pickup “BigHead,” the previous weekend’s LAN in Toronto was their first playing together. This is where their incredible run arguably began, with wins over teams like Røkkr Academy and Detroit Deviance landing them a Top 8 placing. During the LCQ, NF would similarly upset 1st seed Boston Breach before beating more ex-pros in Vivid and Majormaniak. Only with a reverse sweep loss to *Orbit did the journey reach its falling action and somewhat disappointing conclusion. Esports organization Atlas Lions summarized the run on Twitter, “Everyone loves an underdog story,” adding, “An incredible run at both Toronto & the LCQ’s. You had our support & the full cod communities.” NOLA truly did have the support of the CoD community. Team WaR content creator Aroma, for one, cheered, “This NolaFlight team has the entire Challengers scene in a FIRM headlock.” “Everybody who’s anyone is rooting for @NolaFlightGG in finals tmrw,” CoD streamer “OhhhMac” remarked Saturday evening. The NOLA FLIGHT account gracefully opposed the whole “underdog” sentiment, speaking directly to the players themselves, “Many would say you completed upsets in Toronto and LCQ, but we say otherwise. Y’all did exactly what we as an Org know you could. You all belong.” *UPDATE: Orbit player Jimbo was subsequently caught cheating at the Vegas Champs event, resulting in Orbit's forfeit. Follow me on Twitter @ratio_news
Legendary esports orgs OpTic Gaming (est. 2006) and FaZe Clan (est. 2010) share one of the most storied rivalries in competitive gaming history. Today, their biggest battles often manifest in Call of Duty League playoff matches between franchise squads OpTic Texas and Atlanta FaZe. The former have a reputation for extremely passionate fans, but also national acclaim and historical renown for their past roster dynasty of Scump, Crimsix, Formal, and other esteemed players. FaZe, meanwhile, have recently proposed a new dynasty featuring 2022 MVP Cellium and “Tiny Terrors” Simp and Abezy. Now, I don’t need to give Saints’ fans any explanation as to why we root against Atlanta on Sundays, but could you just imagine if the Cowboys—“America’s Team” and state neighbors—became members of the NFC South? This hypothetical is somewhat of a pitch to the CDL (Call of Duty League) to give New Orleans a franchise spot, and to give fan-favorite Texas and infamous Atlanta some close competition. I am partial to NOLA FLIGHT as top contenders for the role, although a 25-million-dollar league entry fee far exceeds even the most generous of budgets. Putting that aside, a New Orleans team to complement the city's NFL and NBA counterparts would make sense for the league as whole. A Southern CDL division could include NOLA, Texas, Atlanta, and my beloved Florida Mutineers. If we’re expanding the league to 14 teams here, we may as well bring a team back to Chicago, too, as the legendary sporting city has been spurned by OpTic’s Chicago Huntsmen and OpTic Chicago, adding more lore to the history book. As of now, the Crescent City continues to merely sit in between one of the greatest rivalries in esports, waiting to get in on the action. Follow me on Twitter @ratio_news
I first started covering Louisiana esports as part of my coursework for “Beat Reporting” class at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Through our very first research assignment, I met my future internship supervisor Brandon Hutchinson, CEO of NOLA FLIGHT. And the rest is history. Despite the current market reset, esports is a promising, growing industry. During the COVID pandemic, its surge was massive. This is when NF (NOLA FLIGHT) was born, and New Orleans received its second-ever esports team. Crescent Esports would contrastingly shut down, leaving NF to carry on the torch of Big Easy esports. Although a handful of teams and companies have come and gone over the years, NF has remained steadfast. As manager of their Women’s Call of Duty team, I’m also heavily invested. For now, the headlines are the org’s top three placement at Challengers Cup #11 and their recent signing of a South American pro Rocket League roster. In addition to working for NF, I’m also Brand Director for Rabid Panda Gang, an up-and-coming team in New Orleans co-founded by NOLA FLIGHT alumnus Candice “Xenho” Wolfe. I’ve also spent a portion of my early career covering scholastic esports for Baton Rouge’s Cibergator Technologies. College programs like Loyola’s are especially gaining traction. It’s an exciting time for New Orleans esports, to say the least. Follow me on Twitter @ratio_news
When: Saturday, September 13th, 2025, 6:30 PM Where: The Real Death Valley, Baton Rouge, LA Channel: ABC Spread: LSU -7.5 O/U: 46.5 This will be the 72nd time these schools meet up in this storied rivalry. This game always has a story, a moment to remember, so be ready, football fans! Florida Gators The Gators enter this contest with a record of 1-1. Florida opened up the season with a 55-0 win over Long Island University, but the Gators dropped a game last week to a talented South Florida team. This Gator offense is led by quarterback DJ Lagway. LSU fans remember Lagway all too well from last season. On the season, Lagway is 38/51, with 342 passing yards and 4 TDs. Jadan Baugh is the leader in the backfield. The leading pass catchers on this team are Vernell Brown III, Eugene Wilson III, and Hayden Hansen. The Gator defense is a solid unit. Jaden Robinson and Myles Graham are the leading linebackers. Tyreak Sapp is the leader on the defensive line. LSU Tigers The Tigers are coming off of a "disappointing" victory against Louisiana Tech. The Tigers have a chance to bury the Gators' dreams for the season in this game. This game being in Death Valley helps out the Tigers tremendously. The Tigers better be ready to get on the Gators early and often because this is an upset Gator team with a big upset on the mind. KEYS TO THE GAME - Can the Tigers establish a running game? The leaders on this team need to get up. - Will the Tigers' defense keep up the red-hot start to the season? - Will Braelin Moore be back on the field? This is a mad Florida team who would love to upset the Tigers in this rivalry. Can the Tigers contain DJ Lagway? Fun Fact: Florida running back coach Jabar Juluke was born in New Orleans. He was the running back coach at LSU in 2016. Thank you for checking out my article. Follow me on X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) @eazytro
It wasn't the prettiest game, but a win is a win. The Tigers are 2-0. On the 4th play of LSU's opening drive, Garrett Nussmeier throws an interception. The Bulldogs go 3 and out. LSU puts together an 8 play 25 yard drive, but Damian Ramos misses a 51 yard field goal. The Bulldogs punt, but they pin the Tigers inside the 5 yard line. The Tigers go on a strong 11 play 98 yard drive that was capped off by a Nic Anderson 7 yard TD reception. LSU 7-0. The Bulldogs are forced the punt. LSU puts together a 13 play 85 yard drive that was capped off by a Damian Ramos 23 yard field goal. LSU 10-0. The teams trade punts. The Bulldogs kneel out the 1st half. The teams trade punts to open up the 2nd half. LSU goes on a 6 play 33 yard drive that was capped off by a Caden Durham 3 yard rushing TD. LSU 17-0. The Bulldogs punt. LSU goes on an 11 play 38 yard drive that was capped off by a Damian Ramos 46 yard field goal. LSU 20-0. The teams trade punts. The Bulldogs go on a strong 13 play 74 yard drive that was capped off by a Devin Gandy 33 yard TD reception. LSU 20-7. LSU answers back with a 6 play 48 yard drive that was capped off by a Damian Ramos 19 yard field goal. LSU 23-7. The Bulldogs punt. LSU kneels out the clock. Tigers win! Takeaways - This LSU defense is for real! This unit will keep the Tigers in games this season. - LSU has to get the running game going. I think it will come around, but the Tigers have to make opponents respect the run. - West Weeks is quietly having a strong start to the season. AWARDS - Offensive MVP - Barion Brown - This guy plays with the spirit you want to see. Get familiar with the name, Tiger fans! - Defensive MVP - West Weeks - West flocks to the ball! LSU welcomes Florida to Baton Rouge on Saturday. Thank you for checking out my article. Follow me on X (the article formerly known as Twitter) @eazytro
When: Saturday, September 6th, 2025, 6:30 PM Where: The Real Death Valley, Baton Rouge, LA Channel: SECN+/ESPN+ Spread: LSU -36.5 O/U: 49.5 LSU will welcome the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs to Baton Rouge for the 15th time. The Tigers look to keep the momentum going. Louisiana Tech Bulldogs Louisiana Tech is coming off of a week 1 shutout of Southeastern Louisiana. The offense is led by junior quarterback Trey Kukuk. Kukuk is a JUCO transfer. He had a solid career. The dual threat quarterback will look to keep the Tiger defense on its heels. The backfield is led by JUCO transfer Clay Thevenin. Thevenin had nearly 1000 all purpose yards at Navarro College last season. The leading pass catchers are Eli Finley and Marques Singleton, Jr., Finley is on multiple preseason award watchlists. Singleton, Jr. put together an impressive JUCO career, scoring 20 TDs. This Bulldog defense is led by Kolbe Fields, Amari Butler, and Emmanuel Oguns. Fields is an LSU transfer. Butler and Oguns are JUCO transfers. LSU Tigers LSU is coming off of a huge week 1 victory. The Tigers will have to get pumped up for this one and try to avoid the hangover. Garrett Nussmeier needs to get this team up. Caden Durham and this offensive line need to keep the positive momentum going. Chris Hilton, Jr., needs to get his confidence up. Look for Chris to get some big touches in this one. The defense needs to continue playing smash mouth Tiger football. The leaders need to get this unit up. KEYS TO THE GAME - Can the Tigers keep the foot on the pedal? - Can the Tigers shut down this dual threat quarterback? - Can the Tigers get the studs out early to get other guys valuable playing time? This Bulldog team has nothing to lose. The Tigers need a dominant performance. Fun Fact: LSU placekicker Sean Perret and Louisiana Tech offensive lineman Ervin Smith were teammates at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge. Follow me on X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) @eazytro
For the 1st time since 2019, LSU fans can cheer after week 1. The two teams trade punts on their opening possessions of the game. On the 2nd play of LSU's next drive, tight end Bauer Sharp fumbles the ball, and Clemson recovers. Clemson takes advantage of the turnover and kicks a 42 yard field goal. Clemson 3-0. The two teams trade punts on their following possessions. LSU puts together an 8 play 49 yard drive, and Damian Ramos kicks a 52 yard field goal. Tied 3-3. Clemson marches down with a 13 play 75 yard drive that was capped off by a 1 yard TD run by Adam Randall. Clemson 10-3. LSU puts together a promising 12 play 62 yard drive, but Chris Hilton Jr. fumbles, and Clemson recovers. Clemson kneels to finish out the half. Clemson opens the 2nd half with an 8 play 45 yard drive, but they miss a 48 yard field goal. LSU had a strong 8 play 69 yard drive that was capped off by a 2 yard TD run by Caden Durham. Tied 10-10. On the 2nd play of Clemson's next drive, Mansoor Delane picks off Cade Klubnik. LSU puts together an 8 play 25 yard drive, but they miss a 46 yard field goal. Clemson goes 3 and out. LSU goes on a huge 11 play 73 yard drive that was capped off by an 8 yard TD reception by Trey'Dez Green. LSU 17-10. Clemson turns it over on downs. The teams trade punts on their following possessions. Clemson turns it over on downs. LSU kneels out the clock. LSU wins 17-10! Takeaways - The transfer portal has paid off big time for LSU. Mansoor Delane and Braelin Moore showed up big! - Caden Durham and this offensive line were just what LSU ordered in this one. They were able to keep the Clemson defense off balance. - ALL ABOARD THE NUSS BUS! AWARDS Offensive MVP - Garrett Nussmeier - What more can you ask from your leader? Big time players step up in big moments! Defensive MVP - PJ Woodland - 5 total tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL, and 1 pass defended. This guy has a bright future! Fun Fact: For all you Varsity Blues fans out there, go check out the formation LSU was in on the Trey'Dez Green TD reception play. Did Lance Harbor call this play? The Tigers gear up for Louisiana Tech on Saturday. Thank you for checking out my article. Follow me on X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) @eazytro
"Are the New Orleans Pelicans the most interesting team of the summer?"
The Zurich Classic swings into New Orleans on April 21 through April 27, 2025. Established in 1958, the Zurich Classic is a professional golf tournament that is held in Louisiana on the PGA Tour, at TPC Louisiana in Avondale. The Fore!Kids Foundation hosts the Zurich Classic to help raise money to fund various children’s service organizations. Since it was established in 1958, Fore!Kids has raised over $45 million through golf events – like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Golf Ball Gala, a kids’ summer junior tour, and several charitable golf tournaments to help provide healthcare, education and hope for over 200,000 children each year. Individual day tickets are $45 and all-inclusive tickets "Best of the Zurich Classic" are $185. All tickets to the Zurich Classic are via mobile entry only. Children 15 and under are admitted free at the front gate with a ticketed adult. Public p arking is $20 per day. For more details, please visit https://zurichgolfclassic.com/