The 2021 World League Cup set for Iceland after China’s move to Europe
In an official statement from Riot, the 2021 League of Legends World Championship is leaving China, moving the annual tournament to Europe instead. Reports now indicate that it will be held in Iceland.
Following a report from Upcomer, John Needham, Global Esports Manager for Riot Games, announced that the 2021 League of Legends World Championship will move from China to Europe.
This change is due to logistical issues with getting all players and teams to China. It was also noted that as of August 20, LCS teams representing North America still did not have a visa to enter the country.
Cloud9 is one of three teams from North America that will compete at the world championships this year.
John Needham’s official statement revealed that restrictions and protocols were even more complicated in 2021 than they were for last year’s event, which was held in Shanghai. Moving the world championships to Europe would be the best for the integrity of the competition, as Riot could not confirm that all qualified teams will be able to participate fully in China.
With European restrictions more relaxed, Riot can ensure the Worlds can go as planned with all teams.
Where will the Worlds take place?
A Dot Esports report indicates that the 2021 Worlds will be held in Reykjavík, Iceland. The competition will take place in the famous indoor sports arena in Laugardalshöll.
This follows the success of the 2021 Mid-Season Invitational, which was held at the same location in May. Riot has already proven that they can safely host an international tournament in Iceland while complying with all of the country’s current restrictions.
This year’s event is scheduled to run from October 5 to November 6.
The world championships would be blocked for Iceland.
When announcing that the Worlds would be moved to Europe, John Needham assured fans that more information will be revealed in the days and weeks to come on where the tournament will take place. Dexerto contacted Riot.
This is the second year in a row that the Worlds will see some sort of effect due to lingering global health concerns after the 2020 event went off without an audience. Originally, the 2021 tournament was supposed to be held in North America, but due to the global issue, last year Riot wanted to give China the option to host again with fans.
This year’s event was scheduled to take place in several cities across the country, with the finals in Shenzhen, but the Worlds will return to Europe after just a year-long hiatus. In 2019, FunPlus Phoenix beat Europe’s own G2 Esports 3-0 in the final, which was held in Paris.