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IEM Katowice Playoffs to Be Held Without Live Audience Amid Coronavirus Concerns

By Max Mallow

IEM Katowice won't have an on-site attendance because of concerns regarding the Coronavirus
IEM Katowice won't have an on-site attendance because of concerns regarding the Coronavirus / Photo by IEM/ESL

ESL announced Thursday that the Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2020 will not have an on-site audience for the playoffs amidst Coronavirus concerns.

IEM Katowice Playoffs Won't Have Live Audience Amidst Coronavirus Concerns

Due to the dynamic changes in the global health situation and in order to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to the region, the Gouverneur of Silesian (Silesian Voivode) Jarosław Wieczorek issued a decision to remove their approval regarding ESL hosting a mass event in Katowice, Poland. Due to this development, Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2020 will not have any audience on-site," ESL said in its announcement.

"ESL respects this decision from the local authorities and is currently working on reaching out to all ticket holders, guests, and media. Tickets will be fully refunded. The tournament will be conducted and broadcasted as planned, but without any additional visitors on-site. We are deeply sorry for all fans and players."

An unfortunate turn of events for one of the biggest Counter-Strike: Global Offensive events of the year. Regardless, player, staff and audience safety is of the utmost priority.