League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational announcement delayed over Coronavirus

• Riot Games has delayed announcing details of the 2020 MSI due to the Coronavirus
• The company has been forced to cancel and postpone numerous events due to the virus
• The virus has spread around the world, with China's death toll now over 2,700

After a number of esports leagues have been affected by the Coronavirus, Riot Games has become the latest forced to alter plans due to the outbreak.  

In a statement released on Twitter, Riot’s global head of esports, John Needham, explained the company has delayed announcing details around the upcoming Mid-Season Invitational to ensure the health and safety of players first.  

“I know many of you are waiting for the details of the 2020 Mid-Season Invitational – and we are eager to share them,” Needham said. “However, as countries around the world respond to COVID-19, aka the Coronavirus, we’ve had to adjust our plans and delay announcing the timing and location of MSI 2020.  

“While we remain committed to making the event happen, the health and safety of players and fans comes first and foremost, with the integrity of the competition a close second.” 

Closing the statement, he added: “We will update you as soon as possible with any relevant new information.” 

This isn’t the first time the virus has affected Riot’s plans, with China’s League Of Legends Pro League (LPL) delayed until May – with an online scrims league taking place in the meantime.  

The Overwatch League also cancelled homestands in South Korea over the virus, while matches set to take place in China were also delayed.  

The total number of Coronavirus-related deaths in China reached 2,715 on Tuesday (25 February), while confirmed cases are over 78,000.  

The virus has also spread to numerous European countries, including Italy, Austria, Croatia, Switzerland, France and Germany.