LEC changes location of 2020 LEC Spring Split final for coronavirus

Riot Games implemented significant venue changes for the 2020 LEC Spring Split championship in response to escalating coronavirus concerns. The decision reflects a broader industry trend toward prioritizing health security over traditional event scale.

Hungarian esports enthusiasts faced disappointment as Riot canceled the planned Budapest finals location. Instead, all playoff matches culminating in the championship will be staged at the compact LEC Studio facility in Berlin. This strategic downsizing represents a fundamental shift in esports event management philosophy during pandemic conditions.

According to official communications, the developer determined that maintaining operations at a controlled, smaller venue better addressed current public health realities. The studio environment enables Riot to implement comprehensive safety measures protecting competitors, production teams, and limited audience members.

This development proved particularly disheartening for Hungary’s gaming community. The 2020 LEC Spring final would have marked the nation’s inaugural large-scale League of Legends championship event, representing a missed opportunity for regional esports growth.

“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,” stated Alberto “Tiroless” Guerrero, Head of Esports for Europe at Riot Games.

The LCS Spring Final: Texas Proceeds with Precautions

The LCS organization decided to proceed with its scheduled 2020 Spring finals in Frisco, Texas, while implementing substantial safety modifications. All scheduled fan meet-and-greet sessions were canceled indefinitely, and any activities involving physical interaction received immediate prohibition. League officials committed to intensive situation monitoring to preserve attendee wellbeing throughout the event duration.

Although LCS leadership expressed confidence about the April 19 event date, they acknowledged the potential for rapid plan alterations given the volatile nature of pandemic developments. North America already reported multiple confirmed coronavirus cases, creating an environment of uncertainty for large gatherings.

The decision to maintain the Texas location while removing fan interaction elements represents a middle-ground approach between complete cancellation and business-as-usual operations. This balanced strategy allows competitive play to continue while minimizing transmission risks through crowd density reduction.

Positive developments emerged as both LEC and LCS regular season competitions continued according to their original timetables. Meanwhile, China’s LPL prepared to restart operations on March 9 following an extended six-week hiatus. The league transitioned to online-only competition until governmental authorities approve public event resumption.

South Korea’s LCK entered an indefinite competitive pause with no confirmed return timeline. These contrasting regional approaches highlight how esports organizations worldwide adapted their operational models based on local COVID-19 conditions and regulatory environments.

The global pandemic forced esports leagues to develop region-specific contingency plans, with some opting for digital transitions while others implemented complete suspensions. This fragmentation created unprecedented competitive scheduling challenges while demonstrating the industry’s resilience in maintaining core operations under extreme circumstances.

No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » LEC changes location of 2020 LEC Spring Split final for coronavirus How Riot Games adapted esports events during COVID-19 with safety protocols and regional strategies