Evo 2020 still set to happen despite coronavirus pandemic

If things clear up, Evo is still happening.
Photo via Evo

Evo 2020 is moving ahead with plans to host the world championship of fighting games at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas despite other events canceling amid the coronavirus outbreak, the tournament organizer announced today.

Recommended Videos

With other big-name events like Norcal Regionals, Final Round, and even E3 getting canceled, it looked like it was inevitable that Evo would be forced to close its doors. But the Evo team is planning to move forward as if the event is still happening this summer.

“At this time, Evo is moving forward with its plans to hold the event July 31 to August 2, 2020 at Mandalay Bay (subject to its re-opening),” the Evo team said. “But, we are still monitoring updates from WHO, CDC, local governments, and public health agencies regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) and continuing to assess the situation.” 

Evo president Joey “Mr. Wizard” Cuellar and his team have made it clear that this decision is subject to change. But the tournament isn’t set to begin until July 31, which gives them a larger window to survey the situation. Mandalay Bay suspended operations yesterday, however, with no timeline to reopen the resort outside of when management deems it safe to do so. 

Postponing the tournament to a later date is also an option since the Fighting Game Community will have a busy second half of the year, but the team is still aiming to hold down that first weekend of August. In the case of Evo being canceled, however, the team promised that all tickets will be refunded. 

“The health of our attendees and staff will be the overriding factor in making a decision,” the Evo team said. “Should Evo be postponed or canceled, all ticket purchases will be refunded.”

Mr. Wizard also confirmed that Evo won’t be raising entry fees for the tournaments at this time and will keep the early bird sign-up prices available for the foreseeable future. 

https://twitter.com/MrWiz/status/1240357330924929029

If you still plan to attend Evo as a competitor or just to watch, be careful when purchasing your tickets and booking travel. You might want to wait until there’s more information about the coronavirus timeline available before deciding what to do.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article Guilty Gear Strive’s most requested character is finally on the way as ArcSys teases next season
Sol Badugy from Guilty Gear Strive.
Read Article ARC World Tour 2023 Finals: Full Guilty Gear Strive and Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising top results
Arc World Tour Finals 2023 banner.
Read Article Guilty Gear Strive’s next DLC fighter brings Jealous Rage, new content after 12-year absence
ABA Guilty Gear Strive
Related Content
Read Article Guilty Gear Strive’s most requested character is finally on the way as ArcSys teases next season
Sol Badugy from Guilty Gear Strive.
Read Article ARC World Tour 2023 Finals: Full Guilty Gear Strive and Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising top results
Arc World Tour Finals 2023 banner.
Read Article Guilty Gear Strive’s next DLC fighter brings Jealous Rage, new content after 12-year absence
ABA Guilty Gear Strive
Author
Cale Michael
Lead Staff Writer for Dota 2, the FGC, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and more who has been writing for Dot Esports since 2018. Graduated with a degree in Journalism from Oklahoma Christian University and also previously covered the NBA. You can usually find him writing, reading, or watching an FGC tournament.