15 Mar 2020

The Coronavirus threat is getting out of control over the past few weeks. It has been officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). All sorts of global sports events and gatherings are in a pinch for the safety of human lives. Esports is no different in this regard. The final decisions come directly from respected Government and tournament organizers to officially postpone, cancel or make adjustments in their scheduled events. With that in mind, let us see what major esports events are affected due to Coronavirus concerns.

Overwatch

 

The Overwatch homestand event taking place in China, scheduled in February and March, got canceled due to the safety of fans in light of Coronavirus.

Overwatch League matches scheduled in China, and South Korea got canceled. However, a further announcement stated that it would take place in Washington D.C., as planned.

Dota 2

 

The third Major of the Dota Pro Circuit, ESL One Los Angeles 2020, is officially canceled for the time being. The organizers made a statement stating that it is in the best interest of both fans and players.

There is no official date announced, but Valve is working with the organizers to determine the most suitable time and location for the Major.

League of Legends

 

Riot Games announced the suspension of the second of the South Korean’s domestic League of Legends League from March 9 onwards. Previously, the media room of LCK got closed after the sudden illness of host Mina Kim. Gladly, she tested negative for the Coronavirus.

 

League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational also got delayed from May to July. China’s League of Legends Pro League is resumed, but online only.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

 

As we all witnessed, the most recent IEM Katowice 2020 concluded. The players displayed thrilling gameplay, but there were no cheers as the entire event got carried out without the fans regarding the Coronavirus outbreak.

Moreover, FLASHPOINT, a new CSGO league, debut event got held in a Los Angeles studio, with its April tournament canceled till further notice.

The season 11 of the ESL Pro League will be entirely an Online event, with the Finals at a particular Studio without the audience.

Apex Legends

 

Electronic Arts postponed the Major#1 of the Apex Legends Global Series. The event was going to take place on March 13-15, 2020.

Moreover, the Online Tournament #2 of the Global Series will still take place from March 21-23. Hopefully, there will be no Coronavirus concern as the event is entirely Online.

Pokemon

The Pokemon Europe International Championships 2020 that was going to take place from April 17-19 in Berlin, Germany, got officially canceled.

FIFA

 

The FUT Champions Cup Stage V taking place on April 3-5 in Romania, is called off.

The PlayStation licensed Qualifying Event, which was going to take place on May 3-5, is also canceled.

Call of Duty

 

The organizers for the Los Angeles Guerillas and OpTic Gaming home series made a statement that the event will continue as planned, as safety precautions were complete to protect the players and fans from any unpleasant situation.

However, Preston “Prestinni” Sanderson will be not playing Florida Mutineers due to personal reasons.

E3 and other Gaming Conventions canceled.

 

What would have been the 25th year of the convention will be no longer this year, as the Entertainments Software Association announced the cancellation of the E3 2020 in Los Angeles. Other noticeable Conventions that got canceled are:

• TwitchCon Amsterdam is canceled, taking place on May 3, 2020.

• The Game Developers Conference in San Francisco from March 16-20, also got postponed.

• Minecraft Festival 2020, from September 25-27, 2020, is also postponed without further notice.

• DreamHack Tours in France also got canceled.

 

What are your thoughts on the current Esports situation? Please share it with us.