Coronavirus: Pokemon becomes latest e-sport event to be cancelled

Gaming events and e-sports competitions around the world have been affected by the coronavirus.

Organisers and e-sports officials have cancelled or delayed a number of large scale events and competitions.

Similar to sports events, and music concerts, organisers of gaming events are trying to help limit the spread of the disease by avoiding large tournaments where lots of people would be together in a small space, making it easier for the virus to spread.

E3, the biggest gaming convention in the world announced they are cancelling the event, because of coronavirus. It would have taken place 9-11 June.

From Pokemon to League of Legends, Rocket League to Overwatch, lots of competitions have been affected - and there is still no word on whether the Fortnite World Cup will go ahead.

Have a look below to see how gaming around the world has been affected...

Pokémon

The Pokémon Company have announced that the 2020 Play! Pokémon competitive leagues and the Pokémon European International Championships have been cancelled.

The 2020 North American International Championship matches were scheduled for 26 to 28 June in Ohio, in the United States, and the World Championships were to be held in London 14 to 16 August.

Organisers said: "No championship points will be awarded over the remainder of the season; instead, all 2020 points will roll over to the next season of Play! Pokémon in 2021."

They added: "We hope that the spirit of friendship and community that are the hallmarks of our amazing fans and these events continue during this challenging time, and that you take care of yourselves and of each other. We can't wait to see you and celebrate with you again."

League of Legends

Riot Games has announced that one of its biggest tournaments the 'League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational' will be delayed from May to July.

This was confirmed in an announcement by the global head of e-sports John Needham.

Riot Games said: "we need to remain flexible given how much the COVID-19 situation has impacted international travel and live events for nearly every sports and entertainment property."

"Shifting the tournament to the summer offers the best chance to see travel restrictions lifted, allowing teams from leagues around the world to travel and compete safely." said John Needham.

Top LOL player Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok has donated $25,000 to a charity fighting coronavirus.

China's League of Legends Pro League has now resumed, but online-only.

FIFA

Two big FIFA events have been cancelled.

The FUT Champions Cup Stage V which was supposed to take place on 3-5 April in Bucharest, in Romania has now been called off.

The PlayStation Licensed Qualifying Event, which was supposed to take place on 2 - 3 May is also off.

A few online-only events like the EA SPORTS FIFA 20 Global Series eChampions League Online Qualifiers will still be taking place in the weeks ahead.

EA Games have said: "We will continue to monitor the situation around the coronavirus, including guidance from the CDC and WHO, and will evaluate and provide more updates as it relates to all of EA's Competitive Gaming Events."

Overwatch

The Overwatch League has announced that it would be playing out the entire 2020 season online.

All matches will be broadcast live on their YouTube channel, with the organisers saying: "While we are collectively facing an incredibly challenging time, we hope to get back to live events before 2020 season concludes".

Rocket League

Psyonix, the developer of Rocket League have announced that the Rocket League Season 9 World Championship in Texas, in the US, is cancelled due to the coronavirus.

The team said: "We understand that this is frustrating, but health and safety will always be our top priority."

They also said that with regards to future championship matches, they'll keep everyone updated.

Twitch

Video streaming service Twitch have announced that they will be cancelling the European leg of TwitchCon.

The convention was due to be been held in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, on 2-3 May.

Representatives have said: "We have been monitoring Coronavirus concerns and having weighed the potential health risks to our community we've made the incredibly difficult decision to cancel TwitchCon Amsterdam."

"To say we're disappointed you won't be able to enjoy the show we've been building for you is a massive understatement. But the health and safety of our community, employees, and everyone else who has a part in making TwitchCon happen is, as always, our top priority. "