Huntsmen Reload Roster Ahead of Final Open With Owakening

The Huntsmen have finalized a key roster change ahead of Stage IV, as the OpTic Texas academy squad looks to level up for the final stretch of the Challengers season. Jared "Swooty" Najera will move into an inactive role, remaining under contract but free to explore opportunities with other rosters for the rest of the year. Stepping into the starting lineup is veteran standout Joseph "Owakening" Conley, who has rebuilt his stock in Challengers after being dropped by Boston Breach at the end of the Black Ops 6 cycle and most recently departing For Fun Esports following the Atlanta Open.

📸 Photo by @EWC

This move follows a promising but not fully realized run in Stage 3, where the Huntsmen finished 2nd in the NA Elite, qualifying them for the Major 3 Pro-Am. At the Pro-Am, they battled to a Top 16 finish in the main event and Top 6 in the Open bracket, showing they could hang with top competition but still had another gear to find. By adding a proven slayer and veteran presence in Owakening, the Huntsmen are clearly betting on raising their ceiling as the stakes increase.

Looking ahead to the Final Open, the goal is straightforward: make a decisive push toward Challenger Champs qualification and secure a spot at the Esports World Cup. With Owakening joining an already competitive core and Swooty still available as a depth option if needed, the Huntsmen have positioned themselves as genuine contenders in the closing chapters of the Black Ops 7 season.