Cal League of Legends was slated to play its first playoffs match in the College League of Legends Season against Arizona State University on March 14, but the tournament is now postponed due to concerns over COVID-19, per an announcement by the Riot Scholastic Association of America (RSAA).
Unlike traditional sports teams, collegiate League of Legends players do not typically meet in-person to compete, meaning that matches would not necessarily affect the spread of the virus. Play is suspended in consideration of unusual circumstances caused by COVID-19 at universities across the country.
“We know this may be a disappointment to players and students, but we believe that with the amount of uncertainty and unique situations campus-to-campus it is in the best interests of student health and safety to suspend all play for the time being,” said the RSAA in a press release.
The outbreak was recently declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, and has affected sporting events all over the country. Professional esports leagues, including the League of Legends Championship Series, are also facing temporary suspension due to concerns over the health of players and spectators.