TL;DR
- MSI 2020 rescheduled from May to July 3-19 with location still undetermined
- Summer Split dates adjusted globally to accommodate MSI schedule changes
- Rift Rivals 2020 canceled entirely across all League of Legends regions
- COVID-19 continues to disrupt esports with LPL and LCK previously affected
- Riot commits to maintaining global competitive integrity despite pandemic challenges
Riot Games has officially confirmed a major calendar shift for the 2020 Mid-Season Invitational, moving the prestigious international tournament from its traditional May timeframe to a July 3-19 window. This strategic adjustment addresses the ongoing global health situation while preserving competitive integrity.
The announcement arrived Tuesday morning following weeks of community speculation. Since Riot’s mid-February tweet about postponing the event due to coronavirus concerns, fans experienced growing frustration with the information vacuum, with many fearing outright cancellation.
This scheduling decision represents Riot’s commitment to maintaining international competition despite unprecedented challenges. The July timeframe offers improved prospects for normalized travel conditions and safer competitive environments.
“Following extensive consultations with our partner leagues and stakeholders, we determined that relocating our annual mid-year global championship from May to July provides the optimal solution,” explained John Needham, Riot Games’ global head of League of Legends esports. “Summer scheduling maximizes potential for lifted travel restrictions, enabling safe international team participation.”
According to Needham, the tournament venue remains under active discussion. Riot acknowledges the necessity for operational flexibility given COVID-19’s substantial impact on international mobility and live esports productions globally.
“We maintain our dedication to ensuring MSI continues as an authentically global competitive experience,” he emphasized.
To accommodate MSI’s revised calendar placement, the Summer Split underwent comprehensive rescheduling. The international tournament now occupies a mid-split position, creating unique competitive dynamics. Below are the updated commencement dates, as detailed by Needham:
- Oceania Pro League (Oceania): May 15
- Vietnamese Championship Series (Vietnam): May 15
- League of Legends Championship Series (North America): May 16
- Turkish Champions League (Turkey): May 16
- LoL Champions Korea (South Korea): May 20
- League of Legends European Championship (Europe): May 22
- Campeonato Brasileiro League of Legends (Brazil): May 23
- LoL Pro League (China): May 23
- Pacific Championship Series (Southeast Asia): May 30
- League of Legends Japan League (Japan): May 31
- League of Legends Continental League (CIS): June 6
- Liga Latinoamérica (Latin America): TBD
The staggered regional start dates create strategic preparation windows for teams. Organizations must now balance domestic competition readiness with international tournament preparation simultaneously. This scheduling structure tests team adaptability and strategic planning capabilities under compressed timelines.
Rift Rivals represents another casualty of the evolving schedule and persistent coronavirus threats. Needham confirmed the event’s cancellation across all League of Legends competitive regions.
“While Rift Rivals delivered memorable competitive clashes, the scheduling complexities it introduced affected both regional and global competitive ecosystems,” Needham stated.
He emphasized Riot’s ongoing dedication to producing “globally resonant events” while exploring innovative approaches to foster international competition in future seasons.
The impact of COVID-19 on esports tournaments has become increasingly familiar, particularly within League of Legends.
China’s LPL faced indefinite postponement in January, resuming recently as a completely online competitive structure. South Korea implemented cautious LCK protocols, initially maintaining live matches without audience presence before postponing on March 6 due to escalating health concerns. Professional competitors, including legendary mid-laner Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, responded by contributing to coronavirus relief efforts.
Global health statistics from the Associated Press indicated over 113,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide. China and South Korea reported the majority of infections, with China experiencing most of the 3,900 fatalities. These conditions prompted other esports properties, including the Overwatch League, to postpone scheduled matches in affected regions.
Action Checklist
- Review updated regional Summer Split start dates for your competitive region
- Adjust team preparation timelines to accommodate MSI’s mid-split placement
- Monitor Riot Games announcements for MSI 2020 venue confirmation
- Develop contingency plans for potential further schedule modifications
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Riot reveals new date for Mid-Season Invitational, cancels Rift Rivals Riot Games reschedules MSI 2020 to July, adjusts Summer Split dates, and cancels Rift Rivals due to COVID-19