During the Corona crisis, major events will remain banned until the end of August. This now also affects the ESL One Cologne, one of the biggest CS:GO tournaments.
The ESL One Cologne will be held without spectators this year. Thus the tournament follows the example of the IEM Katowice 2020, where the games were already played offline, but without spectators.
All tickets remain valid for the event next year. The tournament will then take place from 16th to 18th July 2021. Spectators who are unable to attend the next event should apply for refunds by the end of 2020.
Dear CS:GO Fans: We have an important update to share that concerns all attendees of #ESLOne Cologne and #IEM Melbourne this year. Due to the current global health situation, both live events have been rescheduled to 2021. All tickets remain valid. https://t.co/YYhMrSp5eH pic.twitter.com/fwFTjpR7u5
— ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) May 5, 2020
However, a press release also announced that the organizers are keeping open the possibility of holding the event online. This will depend on the respective entry regulations. Should many teams not be able to play on site, the tournament will probably be held online.
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The Australian Counter-Strike fans are hit even harder. The IEM Melbourne is completely postponed until next year. The event will then start on August 21, 2021 in the Rod Laver Arena. The same regulations apply to purchased tickets as for the ESL One Cologne.