Here are some of the esports events hit by the coronavirus outbreak

COVID-19 emerged as the defining global crisis of 2020, fundamentally reshaping how competitive gaming operates worldwide. The pandemic forced rapid adaptation across the entire esports ecosystem, from tournament organizers to professional teams and millions of dedicated fans worldwide.

Originating in Wuhan, China, the coronavirus rapidly expanded to affect more than 50 nations. Health authorities classified the virus as highly transmissible with significant health risks, including a documented fatality rate of approximately 3.4% according to global health monitoring organizations.

Governments worldwide implemented unprecedented measures to contain the outbreak, including travel bans and restrictions on public gatherings. These measures directly impacted the esports calendar, threatening to make 2020 a severely compromised year for competitive gaming events and live spectator experiences.

Event organizers faced critical decisions: cancel tournaments entirely, transition to online formats, or implement strict safety protocols for limited-attendance events.

CS:GO Tournaments: Empty Venues and Financial Fallout

Rather than complete cancellations, many esports competitions opted for online formats or closed-door events without live audiences. The most prominent example involved Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s IEM Katowice 2020 championship, which proceeded under government-mandated spectator bans implemented at the eleventh hour.

ESL’s flagship Katowice tournament represents one of the premier CS:GO events annually. The 2019 edition attracted approximately 175,000 attendees, representing substantial lost revenue from ticket sales and venue operations. While ESL provided full refunds to ticket purchasers, many international travelers faced significant financial losses from non-refundable flights and accommodation bookings.

The challenges extended beyond immediate event disruptions. Upcoming ESL One Rio Major tournaments face potential complications as Brazil reports initial coronavirus cases while teams from affected regions remain scheduled to compete. This creates uncertainty regarding both competitive fairness and spectator engagement for upcoming international events.

League of Legends: Global League Disruptions and Adaptation Strategies

Riot Games’ premier title experienced widespread schedule alterations across multiple competitive regions. LoL Champions Korea commenced its 2020 season in vacant arenas before announcing indefinite competitive suspension effective March 9. Incidentally, event host Mina Kim required medical attention but subsequently tested negative for COVID-19 infection.

China’s elite professional League, the LPL, experienced multiple-week delays because of nationwide travel restrictions. The league resumed competition through online matches rather than traditional LAN environments. The Pacific Championship Series similarly delayed its season commencement by three weeks due to health safety considerations.

The 2020 Mid-Season Invitational entered indefinite postponement status without confirmed dates or locations for the year’s second-most significant LoL tournament.

The competitive calendar’s crown jewel, the 2020 World Championship, maintains its scheduled Shanghai hosting despite mounting concerns. Shanghai municipal authorities have collaborated with Riot Games to preserve event viability while pledging support for other major esports competitions affected by the health crisis.

Chinese governmental bodies have actively encouraged esports organizations to maintain online streaming operations. They’ve additionally committed financial assistance programs for large-scale tournaments compelled to cancel events, providing crucial relief for companies facing substantial coronavirus-related financial damages.

Despite governmental efforts to sustain competitive gaming ecosystems, no guarantees exist that Worlds 2020 will avoid the fate of other cancelled competitions. However, the October start date provides substantial time for the global health situation to stabilize before the tournament commences.

Overwatch League: Homestand Cancellations and Division-Specific Challenges

The Overwatch League’s ambitious global homestand model faced immediate collapse as coronavirus concerns forced mass cancellations across Asian venues. These developments created operational panic within the Pacific Division, presenting OWL officials with complex decisions regarding the league’s inaugural city-based ticketing system.

Multiple matches originally scheduled for Chinese venues during the season’s opening weeks were rescheduled for weeks five through seven in Seoul. These contingency plans failed when coronavirus spread to South Korea, resulting in additional match cancellations throughout the region.

The next scheduled Asian event involves the Seoul Dynasty homestand on May 9. This positions the initial Asian homestand at week 14 within OWL’s 27-week seasonal structure, creating substantial competitive and logistical complications.

The remainder of the competitive season faces uncertainty as coronavirus cases emerge in the United States. Industry sources indicate no formal match cancellation plans have been communicated to competing teams as of current reporting.

The Atlantic Division currently operates without equivalent disruptions, though numerous potential complications remain ahead. With OWL’s season extending through August, Blizzard management must determine appropriate advance notice periods for potential future match cancellations.

The upcoming Washington homestand represents the inaugural implementation week for the league’s Hero Pools system, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging situation.

Multi-Title Esports Impact: Dota 2, PUBG and Convention Cancellations

Competitive gaming enthusiasts anticipating live events face a challenging year as COVID-19 creates global health complications. Dota 2 experienced numerous regional competition cancellations throughout Asia, with effects reaching Western markets as ESL announced updated protocols for the ESL One LA Major.

With live components commencing March 20, ESL enhanced venue hygiene standards, deployed on-site medical personnel, and implemented comprehensive health safety measures.

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds organization postponed its April PUBG Global Series: Berlin championship, though four additional 2020 events remain in development phases.

Call of Duty League operations remained largely unaffected initially, though scheduled Seattle matches in April face potential jeopardy if local authorities deem events unsafe for public health.

Regarding gaming conventions, only the Game Developers Conference faced cancellation to date. PAX East proceeded without complications in February, while E3 maintains its June scheduling despite ongoing global health concerns.

From business development perspectives, one of the year’s most significant esports events faces substantial cancellation risk. The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games currently operate under significant uncertainty, scheduled to feature IOC-approved Street Fighter V and Rocket League competitions that potentially represented trial runs for future Olympic esports integrations. Cancellation could delay esports’ Olympic inclusion prospects for the foreseeable future.

The esports industry’s response to COVID-19 demonstrates remarkable resilience and adaptability. Tournament organizers have rapidly implemented digital infrastructure to maintain competitive continuity while prioritizing participant and spectator health safety above all other considerations.

Professional gaming faces continued uncertainty as coronavirus spreads globally. Event cancellations and postponements will likely continue as health authorities monitor the pandemic’s progression and implement appropriate public health measures.

Industry analysts project that the pandemic may accelerate several existing trends, including remote production capabilities, digital distribution channels, and alternative revenue streams beyond traditional live event models.

For comprehensive guidance on competitive gaming strategies, consult our Complete Guide to understanding modern esports ecosystems and their evolving operational frameworks during global health emergencies.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Here are some of the esports events hit by the coronavirus outbreak How COVID-19 disrupted major esports tournaments and forced competitive gaming to adapt globally