Due to the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Riot Games have released special information about MSI (Mid-Season Invitational), Rift Rivals, and Split 2 of each region.
Courtesy of: LCK Flickr
League of Legends Pro League (LPL) and League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) have already taken action to make sure the teams and audience were safe from the virus. The LPL stopped games for several weeks altogether, as sections of the country were quarantined and major precautions were being put into place. To align, the games have been planned to resume remotely, in order to limit physical contact between players, staff, and audience members. LCK has done away with live in-person shows, only hosting online broadcasts of the games but with teams still playing in their respective studio.
MSI
Today (March 10) Riot Games have announced that the Mid-Season Invitational, the international competition where the best teams from each region face-off, has been postponed. The new timeframe is from July 3rd to July 19th instead of being in May. Riot cites this change to keep teams healthy and safe. As well as holding the competition in a time when flights are easier and safer, and the world has a better grasp on Coronavirus prevention and control.
Split 2
In addition, the summer splits of every region has been moved to accommodate the scheduling change.
- OPL and VCS will start on May 15th
- LCS and TCL will start on May 16th
- LCK will start on May 20th
- LEC will start on May 22nd
- CBLOL and LPL will start on May 23rd
- PCS and LLA will start on May 30th
- LJL will start on May 31st
- LCL will start on June 6th
Rift Rivals
Rift Rivals, the other midseason event, where regions hold a smaller region vs region competition, has been entirely canceled due to the new schedule. Mainly due to the congestion of events.
The Virus and You
These changes to the schedule will help everyone. It will give teams a chance to be prepared for the virus, as well as Riot Games. It will make games occur in the summer, where hotter weather can help to minimize the virus’ intensity. Travel will likely be opened up internationally. And it will allow Riot Games to keep the games going, helping them avoid heavy financial losses. Plus, having the games will help people stay entertained and in high spirits during a crucial and fearful setting.
The Coronavirus can seem frightful, but it’s important to keep ourselves safe with knowledge and precaution. Remember to wash your hands, avoid touching your face, cover coughs and sneezes, and reduce your time in public places. It helps to avoid going to work/school if you feel sick and recommend others to do so as well.
The virus’ impact will lower and the games will return to normal in due time. Stay hopeful and healthy.
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