The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected yet another esports event. Today Riot Games announced that the League of Legends European Championship's Spring Split Finals would be held in the LEC studios in Berlin instead of Budapest.
In the announcement, Head of Esports Europe Alberto Guerrero states: "This was not an easy decision to make, however, the health and safety of players, fans, and staff is our number one priority. After carefully assessing the situation, we believe that holding the event in a smaller setting and a more controlled environment is the right call. While we currently plan to host a live audience in the Berlin studio, we will continue to monitor the situation and work with local health officials to ensure the safety of players and fans, and will revisit this decision if necessary."
Just in League of Legends alone the Coronavirus outbreak has already caused a suspension of all LPL matches, an indefinite pause of the LCK starting March 9, and the removal of fan meet-and-greets after matches in the LCS and LEC. But that's just a small part of competitions affected by the disease. The Overwatch League moved all its China-based matches, the Hearthstone Masters Tour Bali was moved to Los Angeles, and just this week Psyonix announced that its Rocket League World Championship live event was canceled as a precaution.
- Tom Matthiesen
- Email : TomM@invenglobal.com
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