LPL to return for 2020 Spring Split, will be played online

The League of Legends Pro League (LPL) cautiously resumed partial operations starting February 26, 2020, marking a pivotal moment for competitive gaming during the pandemic.

Originally in January, LPL authorities made the difficult decision to suspend the 2020 Spring Split competition entirely. This occurred as coronavirus cases surged across China during the critical Lunar New Year period. Professional competitors found themselves stranded in hometowns nationwide, unable to access team training facilities or practice together.

After approximately four weeks of complete shutdown, the league initiated a carefully structured return strategy. LPL organizers revealed plans to conduct experimental online matches involving select organizations. The initial participant roster included Top Esports, Suning, JD Gaming, Victory Five, and the newly formed eStar Gaming roster.

Organizations such as Edward Gaming began implementing comprehensive health screening procedures. EDG management confirmed they were systematically testing and quarantining returning athletes and support staff. Each individual underwent medical evaluation before gaining facility access to prevent potential virus transmission.

These online practice sessions represented the foundational phase of LPL’s recovery roadmap. This approach allowed league administrators to evaluate the feasibility of transitioning to fully remote competitive play. Critical technical considerations included internet stability, regional latency disparities, and competitive fairness verification.

The coronavirus pandemic inflicted substantial economic damage across China’s entertainment and sports sectors. Every industry faced unprecedented operational challenges, with live events becoming impossible to host safely. LPL leadership explored every available option to restart competitions while prioritizing participant welfare.

Should the Spring Split remain incomplete, the league would face historic competitive consequences. LPL teams would forfeit their qualification slot for the Mid-Season Invitational tournament. This scenario would establish an unfortunate precedent as the first instance of a premier region missing international competition.

Professional esports organizations encountered multifaceted operational hurdles during this period. Team management had to balance competitive obligations with legitimate health concerns. Player contracts, sponsorship agreements, and broadcast partnerships all required renegotiation and adaptation.

Will coronavirus affect the 2020 World Championship?

Concerns about the 2020 League of Legends World Championship emerged as entirely justified. Scheduled to take place in China at premier sporting venues, the tournament faced existential threats. Coronavirus containment measures directly jeopardized the event’s viability and scheduling.

Riot Games maintained radio silence regarding potential venue modifications or contingency plans. The development team appeared to adopt a wait-and-see approach to decision-making. Notably, the company had yet to disclose even the host city for that year’s Mid-Season Invitational.

The situation highlighted the vulnerability of global esports to real-world crises. Tournament organizers worldwide began developing emergency response protocols for future incidents. Professional players faced uncertainty about training schedules, visa applications, and international travel restrictions.

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