‘We all live in a Jamie “Insight” world,’ is the echo still ringing around the NEC centre in Birmingham, UK, as the last Brit standing is orchestrating the crowd like the pied piper. The CDL Major II Day Two belonged to the seasoned AR main as he and the Toronto KOI roster showcased their return to excellence.
Following their recent success, Hotspawn sat down with Insight to discuss the evolution of British influence in the Call of Duty scene, his hopes of inspiring a new generation by competing on home soil, and just how he is adjusting to ensure he plays his role in the Toronto KOI revival.
Insight hopes waving the English cross will inspire a new wave of UK CoD stars
While Insight was adopted as the darling of Birmingham, and the UK crowd showcased why, in the words of Brandon “Dashy” Otell, it is a ‘mecca’ of Call of Duty esports, the 2026 season is actually the lowest-represented year we’ve had in the CDL era. Europe may be on the rise with Spanish and French youngsters bursting through, but for the UK, the stalwarts are making way for predominantly American Challengers alumni.
Back in 2020, though, the UK was flush with talent, and the CWL era gave them the platform to begin showcasing their talent on a global scale.
“When I grew up playing Call of Duty and playing amateur tournaments and stuff like that, it was huge,” he told us.
“There were a lot of players, a lot of passion. When I eventually got to the pro scene, there was still that same talent and passion there. Just growing up, it was fun, and there were a lot of people pushing you.
“Sadly, I feel like we’ve lost that a little bit. But hopefully, seeing this event and stuff, we can revitalise it.”
Image Credit: Scuf
Currently, only Insight and Byron “Nastie” Plumridge of Boston Breach can proudly sport the St. George’s flag on their shoulders in the CDL.
But the Challengers’ pit is still populated with talent from the UK, with Ben “Beans” McMellon and Marcus “Afro” Reid specifically playing on the main stage in the Grand Finals.
With the UK crowd now reintroduced, Insight hopes that many others can follow his footsteps.
Insight on his CDL emergence and taking the plunge to move to Toronto
With the emergence of the Call of Duty League, the talent pool was locked into those players who had left their home comforts and chased the dream to play in the biggest American tournaments.
One of those was Insight, who got the call from Toronto Ultra to make the step up to their roster after impressing in the European Challengers scene. Reunited with Tobias “CleanX” Juul Jønsson, Insight replaced community icon Anthony “Methodz” Zinni, rounding off just the second all-European team in the League.
“At first, it was nerve-wracking, kind of scary, and then I grew into it, and loved it. Now I’ve kind of made it my home,” he said.
“But, when I first got the call up, and they said, ‘Yo, you’re moving to Toronto,’ I was like, ‘Excuse me?’ I was just super excited.”
Image Credit: Monster Energy
Fortunately for Insight, he was more fortunate than others as the Toronto team harboured a European roster already and hosted all the team in their complex, which allowed him to hit the ground running.
“Especially when I first came in, it was just a full European team, European coaches, all from the UK – apart from Toby, who is from Denmark – But it definitely helped massively. You know, the banter, the fun outside of the game, similar hobbies, and stuff like that. It helped massively.”
When the chance came for the Brit to put his mark on the CDL, he made no mistake in relishing the opportunity. In the debut match versus LA Thieves, Insight broke the kill record with a 16-kill Search and Destroy domination, and carried that momentum all the way to the All-Star team.
“It was huge,” he revealed. “It was everything. Coming into the CDL, replacing Methodz, who at the time was a huge public figure in the scene, I had to make an impact to show that I could play, and I was here to play. I came in, and I did that.
“I always thank my past self for doing that because it just established myself instantly. We wanted to have like a decent start, and then we carried it on for the rest of the year.”
Insight has now enjoyed a solid six years in the league, winning multiple Championships in Toronto’s tenure, and the only accolade that has eluded him is the precious ring.
Black Ops 7 turnaround and hopes of more success
Nowadays, Toronto KOI is undergoing a transition with a new rookie in the roster in Nicholas “Kips” Lyons. Black Ops 7 has proved turbulent, as the ever-changing meta and movement mechanics have been a huge learning curve for the older heads in the game.
“It’s been different for sure. Obviously, last year we got the omnimovement, now this year we have the wall jumping. I feel like we’ve had some cool moments, especially like sniping, but it’s definitely been like a switch-up for sure.
“But it’s been an enjoyable one. I’m enjoying it.”
Image Credit: Monster Energy
With a history of thriving in the Treyarch titles, Insight is hoping that this event will reinvigorate his personal form and relight that fire in the camp, and continue improving.
“I feel like this year has definitely been an up-and-down year; there’s no hiding that. But I finally feel like I’m finding my footing in this game. Being online’s a different ball game as well. Some people have got it, some people don’t, and I feel like I thrive under the environment.”
As for the roster, CleanX moving back to the SMG has already openly admitted to Hotspawn that the adjustment was harder than he would have imagined after taking time out to play in the flex. But the addition of Kips has seen the team begin to click, and the chemistry is flowing again.
“There’s definitely been way better flow on the map. Kips has come in, and he’s unbelievable. He kind of just runs around and challs everyone, he does what he wants. He’s obviously got things he needs to work on, but the future is bright for him and for our team. We’re looking good.”
