According to a tweet made by League of Legends Pro League reporter, Ran, in a recent press conference, the Chinese government disclosed that they were both putting in full effort to prepare for Worlds 2020 in China and that they advised the LPL to resume their season in an online format. The government also offered their support for teams who experienced extra loss in this time without games/audience.

The LPL has historically been the most succesful region, not in terms of tournament results - though they have won three of the last four international events - but through their franchising. They've not only franchised the League, they've expanded multiple times, have venues spread throughout the country, and boast a far bigger fan base than the other major regions. With an LPL sponsor spread like Doritos, Mercedes, Nike, etc., the league is booming. 

Until the rampant spread of COVID-19 closed the league down just a couple weeks after its start this January, however. After a full month without information on a return, the govenrment is advising organizers to reopen in a strictly online format. 

The coronavirus has also affected the LCK, who have been spectatorless throughout the season, and are now also prohibiting press from entering. It's affected the OWL as well with its multiple canceled Homestands, and ESL, who is screening fans and all players and staff deemed at risk.

For now, the LPL is broadcasting the teams' scrims, but there is hope that they can move into real matches soon. Follow us on Twitter below for updates on the story and other esports news and content.