Riot Games Announces 2020 League of Legends World Championship in Shanghai
Riot Games has revealed that the highly-anticipated 2020 League of Legends World Championship will be taking place from September 25 to October 31 in Shanghai, China. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there were concerns about whether the event would proceed as planned. Nonetheless, Riot Games has stated that apart from changes in the locations of the stages, the tournament will largely remain the same.
The initial plan for Worlds 2020 was to have different stages of the event held in cities across China. However, Riot Games has decided to consolidate the tournament in Shanghai in order to minimize travel and maintain greater control over the show environment. While most of the matches will be played without a live audience, Riot Games hasn’t ruled out the possibility of having an audience for the finals, which will take place at the Pudong Soccer Stadium. This would be the stadium’s first major event.
For the early stages of the tournament, Riot Games will focus on enhancing the digital viewer experience, although the specific details have not been disclosed. In addition to this, Riot Games has announced that China will host Worlds again in 2021, making it the third time the country has held the prestigious championship. The United States will then take over as the host in 2022, marking its fourth time hosting Worlds. The last time the tournament was hosted in the US was in 2016, with the finals held at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
Exciting Future for League of Legends Esports
Riot Games’ decision to host the 2020 League of Legends World Championship exclusively in Shanghai shows the company’s commitment to delivering a top-tier esports event despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. With the anticipation of potential live audiences for the finals and upcoming tours in multiple cities, fans and esports enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to in the world of League of Legends.
Stay Updated with Esports News and Analysis
Keep up with the latest esports news and analysis by following us on YouTube. We provide insights, highlights, and everything you need to stay in the loop.
Riot Games, League of Legends World Championship, Shanghai, China, COVID-19 pandemic, digital viewer experience, live audience, Pudong Soccer Stadium, United States, esports news, analysis.