Pro players would be able to enter Germany despite COVID-19 restrictions

Esports-Bundes Deutschland (ESBD) has revealed that esports athletes are able to enter Germany despite current COVID-19 travel bans that are in place.

The ruling from the ministry clarified esports athletes eligible to apply for the Gerrman esports visa, athletes taking part in a tournament, and a supervising person for esports athletes under the age of 18 would be able to enter Germany.

Current rulings state entrance into Germany is allowed for countries in the European Union alongside additional countries such as the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

As of October 14th, individuals looking to enter Germany from countries not on the list such as the United States, Russia, China, or Turkey must provide “substantial reasons” in order to be granted entrance. 

ESL tournament operator announced LAN event IEM Global Challenge 2020, which will be held in Cologne from 15 to 20 December. Five teams from Europe and three from North America will meet in studio format without fans and will play for a share of a $500,000 prize pool. At the same time, the organizers noted that if the epidemiological situation worsens, the tournament may be cancelled.