UPDATE: LCS To Cancel Matches INDEFINITELY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 26: — during 2020 LCS Spring Split at the LCS Arena on January 26, 2020 in Los Angeles, California, USA.. (Photo by Colin Young-Wolff/Riot Games)
The sports entertainment industry is reeling from the continued spread of COVID-19 and esports is no exception. The League Championship Series (LCS), North America’s pro League of Legends division, is barring live audiences from their matches. In an announcement from LCS Commissioner, Chris Greely, the LCS said the safety of their players, fans and employees is paramount.
In the statement, Greely said that there would be full refunds for all fans that reach out to the LCS within the next business week. Also, in the post, the LCS said that Riot hasn’t come to a final decision about the Spring Split finals. The event is due to take place in Texas which has over 30 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus. The LCS is one of the few esports leagues choosing continue with play. The Overwatch League, Rocket League Championship Series, and many other events are canceled due to the pandemic. The LCS said they would have more information on the Spring Split Finals coming on March 20.
UPDATE: The LCS has followed suit behind the LEC and have now also canceled matches indefinitely. The Spring Split finals are relocated to the LCS Arena in Los Angeles.