Shortly after the conclusion of the League Championship Series, Riot Games officially announced they’d be hosting the 2020 World Championship entirely in Shanghai.
The announcement has been confirmed in an official tweet along with a video message from Riot Games CEO Nicolo Laurent and Global Head of Esports John Needham.
“We’re excited to celebrate the 2020 World Championship this September in China! #Worlds2020
See this video message from Riot Games CEO Nicolo Laurent and Global Head of Esports John Needham about our current plans:”
COVID-19 threats
Acknowledging the looming threat of COVID-19, John Needham, Global Head of Esports, states: “all possible measures are taken to preserve the well being of everyone involved with the event.”
Much to the dismay of many LoL fans, the entirety of League esports has long been impacted by the pandemic.
Additionally, Riot Games CEO Nicolo Laurent further explained that the company has “partnerned with local and national authorities, and external risk and safety consultants.”
In Shanghai
In order to reduce necessary travel and retain better control over the Worlds environment, Riot decided to hold the entire event within Shanghai.
Originally, the event was planned to be taken across the country instead.
Riot still intends to keep their promise of showcasing the rich esports culture in China by holding Worlds 2021 across the country.
This follows a similar path to their original plan for the year, and pushing the return to NA to 2022.
#Worlds2020
To keep fans hyped, Riot released a #Worlds2020 teaser trailer on Twitter:
“10 years of Worlds & we’re just getting started. Welcome to Worlds 2020. It’s our time to Take Over. #Worlds2020”
The video included some of the most-hyped moments in League Worlds history.
When will the event take place?
The event will officially begin on September 25th, with the culmination happening on Halloween. Riot will then be bringing the event to the global fans digitally.
Riot published a full blog post on the upcoming Worlds:
“To ensure that those involved in bringing the 2020 World Cup to life are safe and sound, all phases will be held in Shanghai. The best teams from regional leagues around the world will compete in the first LoL Esports competition, which will start on September 25 and end on October 31.”
It has not been clarified which format will be used, how will the teams specifically function (in order to keep everyone safe), what safety measures will be put into place.
Fans may have to wait for more details, along with finding out if the tournament may be affected in any other way.
It has not been confirmed yet whether or not Worlds 2020 will have all regions represented.
There might be a few questions left unanswered at the moment— but brace yourselves, LoL fans! The World Championship begins in less than two months.
