The ESL One Los Angeles 2020, although we planned to preview the event, has just been postponed as of the 12th of March, with an official notice from ESL just being released. So instead, we’ll preview what’s to occur regardless of the ongoing pandemic at some other date, and perhaps shed some light on the current situation in esports as of right now.
The $1,000,000 Dota 2 Major was set to be an essential component of the Dota Pro Circuit taking place from the 15th to the 22nd of March. While in the past week, the organizers have been unsure whether to accept a live crowd or not and to even go about hosting the event while finally, it will indeed be postponed. Sixteen teams were set to fly out and compete for the majority of the prize and those juicy 15,000 Pro Circuit Points too.
The official announcement states that ESL has, in fact, delayed the event due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, with a new location and time to be determined and hopefully shortly.
“In light of recent travel restrictions and the evolving COVID-19 situation, ESL is postponing the ESL One Los Angeles 2020 Dota 2 Major…We are working closely with Valve to determine a new time and location for the major. We are deeply disappointed but believe this outcome is in the best interest of all of the people who make these incredible events possible.” – ESL
The wellbeing of everyone is certainly a priority when making such a call, and it’s affecting multiple esports scenes as organizers are following the pandemic protocol. Below is a list of other events which have been postponed/cancelled too, which are related to esports and gaming:
- LoL Mid-Season Invitational – delayed from May to July
- FUT Champions Cup Stage V – cancelled
- Overwatch League matches – cancelled and postponed
- Rocket League Season 9 World Championship in Texas – cancelled
Coronavirus is certainly a blow to the world and that includes esports too.
We’ll be doing our best to cover the most exciting esports around the globe, and we’ll be notifying our readers about any other future events to be postponed or cancelled.
ESL One Los Angeles 2020 will hopefully occur before June, as the Pro Points involved are essential for teams to qualify for TI2020. If not, the entire season could be shifted further into the year.