Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO) competitive league Flashpoint has announced the relocation of season 1 to Los Angeles, California amid the coronavirus outbreak. Flashpoint is the newest addition to CSGO‘s competitive system. Designed as a direct competitor to ESL Pro League, Flashpoint hosts 12 of the world’s top professional teams.
COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, has relentlessly infiltrated most global industries. The esports industry has taken a significant hit recently. Notable events have been postponed or canceled due to travel seen as a potential health risk. One of the latest cancellations includes a highly anticipated Valorant gameplay event hosted by Riot Games. The developer reportedly invited priority community members to test that game at a private event. What’s more is that government officials in Katowice, Poland deemed IEM Katowice a public health risk. Their decision barred a live audience from entering the game arena, forcing the organizers to continue the event without a crowd. IEM took a massive hit from this cancellation because the organization eventually reimbursed ticket purchases.
Our statement regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the safety of our players. pic.twitter.com/KGFTPNrh4b
— Flashpoint (@Flashpoint) March 6, 2020
Flashpoint’s stance on public health
According to today’s press release, this announcement comes as a result of a desire to safeguard public health. Flashpoint prioritizes the well-being of players, staff, and fans. Alongside the Counter-Strike Professional Players Association (CSPPA), Flashpoint has planned a viable alternative to canceling their event by relocating the tournament to a private studio in Los Angeles.
“The studio is a controlled environment that allows us to implement strong policies and best practices to protect the players and our employees while also avoiding incremental travel and interactions with fans.” –Flashpoint
Fans were disappointed to learn of the event relocation. Moreover, Flashpoint stated that, as a result of the relocation, related events planned in Stockholm, Sweden were also canceled.
“Unfortunately this will also mean the cancellation of our playoffs event, planned for Stockholm in April.” –Flashpoint
Flashpoint representatives say the organization remains positive heading into the first-ever season and is excited about the league’s future. Furthermore, they hope to produce public CSGO events once the coronavirus outbreak subsides.
