League of Legends developer Riot Games has today announced that the semifinal leg of LoL Worlds 2022 will no longer be hosted in Toronto, Canada due to COVID-19 complications. According to a press release distributed by the studio, the penultimate stage of the competition will now be held in Atlanta, Georgia at the State Farm Arena.
“Home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks,” the presser reads, “State Farm Arena resides in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, and is surrounded by an array of world-class attractions, restaurants, parks, hotels, and lounges.” Global head of LoL Esports Naz Aletaha says that the move has been made to maintain the multi-city nature of the event.
Riot maintains a close relationship with State Farm, which itself has sponsored the North American LCS for several years. Alysson Griffin, vice president of marketing for the company, says that it is “extremely happy with the serendipity of Worlds 2022 being held in Atlanta.”
Meanwhile, Todd Harris, Atlanta Esports Alliance chair, says that the city’s esports scene is looking forward “to working closely with Riot games, our public and private partners, and our local community to create a remarkable experience for all involved.”
Unfortunately for Canadian fans, they will now have to venture further afield in order to catch their favourite players in action. As for when fans can expect to learn more regarding specific dates and tickets going on sale, Riot says we will learn more “later this summer.”