CLG and Dignitas players test positive for virus ahead of 2021 LCS

The competitive League of Legends scene faces immediate challenges as Counter Logic Gaming and Dignitas report multiple COVID-19 cases among team personnel, creating significant roster uncertainties just weeks before the 2021 season launch.

Despite implementing comprehensive health protocols and safety measures, the LCS encounters unexpected obstacles with positive tests emerging from two prominent organizations. This situation highlights the ongoing difficulties esports faces in maintaining competitive integrity during global health concerns.

CLG’s general manager Daniel “Tafokints” Lee detailed how the team had conducted in-person training sessions at their facility over recent weeks. To mitigate transmission risks, the organization established regular testing schedules to protect all individuals within the training environment. Immediate quarantine protocols activated following the initial positive result, transitioning all operations to remote formats while exposed personnel undergo mandatory isolation periods.

The outbreak extends beyond CLG’s roster, with esports journalist Travis Gafford confirming additional positive cases within Dignitas. Both organizations currently withhold specific details about affected players and potential impacts on their starting lineups for the upcoming 2021 LCS Lock-In tournament.

In addition to CLG (reportedly shortly ago by @InvenGlobal), sources have told me multiple members of Dignitas have tested positive for Covid-19. pic.twitter.com/ubpcR0h2mJ

— Travis Gafford (@TravisGafford) January 13, 2021

Finn and Broxah to Miss LCS Lock-In

Beyond health concerns, CLG confronts additional roster complications with visa processing delays affecting key European imports. The team’s planned starting top laner Finn “Finn” Wiestål and jungler Mads “Broxah” Brock-Pedersen cannot secure timely travel documentation, creating unexpected gaps in their competitive lineup.

CLG management swiftly secured temporary substitutes, bringing in experienced top laner Colin “Solo” Earnest and collegiate jungler Ryan “Keel” Keel from Columbia College. These emergency replacements will maintain starting positions until regular roster members can resolve their immigration status and join the team.

Team Liquid faces parallel challenges with their jungle position, opting to start Jonathan “Armao” Armao while awaiting visa clearance for Lucas “Santorin” Larsen. This decision reflects the broader pattern of North American teams adapting to international travel restrictions affecting player mobility.

Surprise #1: pic.twitter.com/dewlZTFR33

— Team Liquid LoL (@TeamLiquidLoL) January 13, 2021

These last-minute substitutions create strategic disadvantages for affected teams, particularly during the Lock-In tournament where roster cohesion and practiced synergy provide critical competitive edges. Organizations must balance immediate competitive needs with long-term roster planning while navigating unpredictable immigration timelines.

Who is Competing in the LCS?

Ten professional organizations hold permanent franchise positions within the League of Legends Championship Series, operating through direct partnership agreements with Riot Games. This franchise model ensures team stability by eliminating relegation threats while maintaining competitive integrity through revenue sharing and collective branding opportunities.

The current LCS franchise teams represent the pinnacle of North American competitive League of Legends:

• 100 Thieves
• Cloud9
• Counter Logic Gaming
• Dignitas
• Evil Geniuses
• FlyQuest
• Golden Guardians
• Immortals
• Team SoloMid
• Team Liquid

When Does the 2021 LCS Start?

The 2021 LCS Spring split commences competitive action on Friday, February 5 at 3 p.m. Pacific Time, 6 p.m. Eastern Time, marking the beginning of the official competitive season following the Lock-In tournament.

How Many Imports Can LCS Teams Have?

LCS organizations may field two imported players simultaneously during competitive matches. Teams maintain flexibility to sign additional international talent beyond the two-slot limit, though only two can participate in official matches at any given time. A significant rule modification for 2021 excludes Oceanic players (from Australia and New Zealand) from import classification, expanding regional talent pools without consuming valuable import slots.

This policy adjustment reflects Riot Games’ recognition of Oceania’s competitive development and provides new opportunities for talent from that region to compete in North America without roster restrictions.

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