Valve Software has cancelled the live audience for its most prestigious Dota 2 tournament, The International 10 (TI10), due to the COVID-19 cases surge in Romania. That being the case, all purchased tickets will be fully refunded.
In a blog post, Valve confirmed that their decision was prompted by the continued increase in COVID-19 infection rates and the subsequent implementation of new local restrictions in Bucharest, Romania, the venue of TI10.
Moreover, Valve decided to cancel in-person audience attendance for the tournament’s main event “to ensure the safety of all players, talent, and production staff participating in the event.” The game company also started the process of refunding all ticket sales.
Valve also added that they prioritize the health and well-being of both audience members and participants.
This announcement comes just one day after three players of Team Aster and two from Invictus Gaming tested positive for COVID-19 and implemented self-quarantining procedures at their hotels in Bucharest.
Data source: JHU CSSE COVID-19 Data
On October 2, 2021, Romania recorded 12,590 new COVID-19 cases, the highest in a single day. This brings the overall coronavirus cases in the country to 1.26 million. The total overall death tally is 37,394, with 184 new deaths.
For the uninitiated, The International 10 will begin with a Group Stage from October 7 to 10, followed by the Main Event (Playoffs Stage) from October 12 to 17. Valve, on September 17, initially confirmed that the Main Event will host a live audience.
Dota 2 TI10 features 18 teams worldwide that will battle it out to claim the coveted Aegis of Champions trophy and a share of a massive USD 40 million prize pool.
Valve cancels live audience for TI10, refunds all tickets
Source: Magandang Gabi Viral
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