posted by NanaKrustofski,
The Chinese qualifiers for the ESL One Los Angeles 2020 and StarLadder ImbaTV Dota 2 Minor #3 have to be postponed due to safety measures by Valve. Dota is not the only esports affected by the coronavirus. Originally, all regions were planned to start their qualifiers on 7 February. Now, the Chinese open qualifiers are going to take place on 12 February. New dates for the closed qualifers are yet to be decided. The reschedule was announced by organizer Huomao TV in a WeChat group.

In accordance to the changes of the Major qualifiers, StarLadder also postponed the Chinese qualifiers for StarLadder ImbaTV Dota 2 Minor #3 from 13-14 February to 18-19.





Postponing qualifiers does not pose a major obstacle for the teams, but the virus could severely impact the pro scene. Travel bans and restrictions are alredy being imposed on citizens and travelers from China. In the worst case, Chinese Dota teams could be prevented to take part at events.

Dota is not the only esports that implemented safety measures. For example, Riot Games and Blizzard already reorganized tournaments to keep their players and talents safe.

League of Legends: Postponing Leagues and canceling live audience



For Dota's rival LoL, tournaments already were adjusted as well. The Chinese League of Legends Pro League (LPL) had to be postponed for an indefinite period. Hosts from other countries who were already onsite had to leave the country again.

Not only does China gets restricted in their tournaments, the Pacific Championship Series (PCS) had to be postponed as well. While the PCS is only played online, participating teams and functionaires have issues due to travel restrictions.

The virus also strikes a thrid victim. This Wednesday, the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) is officially about to start but the event will kick off without a live audience to minimise risk of infection.





Overwatch: Canceling matches and relocating boot camps



Blizzard also took safety measures and decided to cancel all Chinese homestands in February and March to protect the health and safety of players and staff members. The impact the virus has on the professional Overwatch scene is currently vastly larger than in Dota. Five weekends with a total of 27 games are affected by the safety measures.

There have also been several Overwatch League teams which had to relocate their boot camps to a different area or even country to avoid the health threat. Organisations are also working vigorously to secure visas for their Chinese players so they can leave to a safer region.





Photo credit: ESL

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