TL;DR
- LEC cancels Summer Finals in Malmö due to health concerns, explores alternative event options
- Berlin studio resumes June 12 with skeleton crew, teams continue remote play from facilities
- Enhanced three-day weekly broadcast schedule with 25 total matches across LEC and LCS
- Strategic viewing approaches for optimal esports consumption across different time zones
- Gradual return planned for players and press, no immediate fan access to studio
The League of Legends European Championship (LEC) has implemented significant operational changes for the 2020 Summer Split, including the cancellation of the planned finals event in Malmö, Sweden. This decision reflects the ongoing global health situation’s impact on large-scale esports events. However, the league has simultaneously announced positive developments regarding studio operations and broadcast enhancements that will benefit viewers throughout the season.
Riot Games made the difficult but necessary decision to cancel the LEC Summer Finals event originally scheduled for Malmö, Sweden. Alberto “Tiroless” Guerrero, director of esports at Riot, confirmed the cancellation while emphasizing their commitment to exploring alternative formats for the championship event. This represents a significant shift from the league’s position as recently as April, when organizers still expressed confidence in proceeding with live playoffs in Sweden.
The timing of this cancellation highlights the challenges esports organizations face in planning major events during uncertain conditions. Originally, the LEC had prepared contingency plans for a smaller-scale production if the Sweden event became unfeasible, demonstrating their proactive approach to crisis management in the esports industry.
Beginning June 12, the LEC will resume production operations at its Berlin studio utilizing a carefully managed skeleton crew. All competing teams will maintain their current arrangement of playing from dedicated team facilities to ensure competitive integrity and player safety. The league will continue online competition formats for the immediate future while working toward the strategic goal of reintegrating players and press members into the studio environment before the Summer Split concludes.
Importantly, the LEC has clarified that studio access for live audiences remains off the table for the foreseeable future. This phased approach allows for increased production quality while prioritizing health and safety protocols, representing a balanced solution to current challenges.
New schedule for pro League of Legends in the summer
The 2020 Summer Split introduces an expanded broadcast schedule that provides fans with three full days of competitive League of Legends action each week. The regular season weekend commences on Fridays at approximately 11 AM CST with five intense LEC matches. The Friday Night League broadcast follows later in the day, featuring two premier LCS matchups for North American viewers.
Saturday programming begins at 10 AM with another five LEC games, followed immediately by four LCS contests starting at 3 PM CST. Sunday mirrors Saturday’s schedule precisely, creating a consistent viewing experience for dedicated esports enthusiasts. This enhanced format delivers a total of 25 professional matches weekly throughout the regular season, ensuring ample high-level competition for viewers to enjoy.
For optimal viewing, consider implementing strategic approaches to consume this enhanced content. European viewers should note the favorable timing for LEC matches, while North American fans can optimize their LCS viewing around prime evening hours. Advanced viewers often utilize multi-stream setups to follow multiple regions simultaneously, though this requires careful attention management.
Common mistakes include attempting to watch every match live, which can lead to viewer fatigue. Instead, prioritize must-watch matchups and utilize VODs for less critical games. Engagement can be enhanced through participation in official watch parties and community discussions that deepen the overall esports experience beyond simple match viewing.
Action Checklist
- Mark calendar for June 12 Berlin studio restart and new schedule implementation
- Set reminders for preferred LEC/LCS match times based on your time zone
- Plan weekly viewing strategy prioritizing key matchups and utilizing VODs for others
- Join official watch parties and community discussions for enhanced engagement
- Follow LEC official channels for updates on alternative finals event planning
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