The Call of Duty League announced today that it will require attendees to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination at its upcoming 2021 Championship Weekend in Los Angeles, California. This marks the first major esports organization to require proof of vaccination in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases in the United States.
“Our top priority is the health and safety of our fans, staff, and players. With the rising rate of COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County, we are enhancing our safety measures for the Call of Duty League Championship Weekend,” the COD League Twitter said. "Effective immediately, all attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination or, if not fully vaccinated, a negative PCR or antigen test received within 72 hours of the day of your attendance. All attendees must wear a mask during the event, regardless of vaccination status."
— Call of Duty League (@CODLeague) August 11, 2021
"Finally, please take note that there is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where people are present," COD League’s blog adds. “This risk exists despite the health and safety measures that Call of Duty League is instituting to help protect fans, players, staff, and others who attend the event."
The Call of Duty League 2021 Championship Weekend is scheduled for August 19 – 22 at Los Angeles’ Galen Center.
The COD League last held its stage 5 major (the last round of matches before championship weekend) in-person at its Dallas, Texas venue in late July. Videos of the event show a fairly normal event with competitors playing on a stage before a large, dense audience. Many people in the audience can be seen wearing masks, but just as many can be seen wearing them inappropriately around their chins or not at all. Social distancing measures also appeared to not be enforced, with audience members tightly packed together. Competitors also did not wear masks. Previous stages of the season were held remotely.
Texas and California do have drastically different approaches to COVID-19. California became the first state to require vaccinations or COVID-19 testing for all teachers and school employees. Californian healthcare workers and government employees are also required to be vaccinated. Numerous private businesses, institutions, and cities are also slowly beginning to require patrons and employees to be vaccinated.
IGN reached out to the Call of Duty League to inquire why it waited until Championship Weekend to institute a vaccination requirement. A public relations representative pointed us towards the Call of Duty League’s blog announcing the requirement, but did not provide further comment at publishing time.
Joseph Knoop is a freelance reporter for IGN.