We won’t be seeing any esports medal events soon, for the SEA Games 2021 has officially been postponed.

Vietnam SEA Games 2021 postponed to 2022

Esports, SEA Games 2021, Hanoi, Vietnam
Credit: SEAGF

The Southeast Asian Sports Federation (SEAGF) announced that the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) has been postponed due to concerns about the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This was confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.

The decision was made during an online SEAGF meeting on July 8. The representatives of participating countries were present in the meeting too, where they collectively reviewed and evaluated the developments of COVID-19 cases around Southeast Asia.

The forum concluded with a decision to delay SEA Games 2021.

There is a high possibility that the SEA Games will be moved to the first quarter of 2022, according to Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.



Esports at the 31st SEA Games

League of Legends: Wild Rift Pantheon and Southeast Asian Game 2021 logo, SEA Games
Credit: Riot Games, Southeast Asian Games

This year’s SEA Games was supposed to take place from November 21 to December 2 in Hanoi, the country’s capital city. Vietnam was expected to host 40 sports disciplines, 26 of which will be held in Hanoi.

The SEA Games is a biennial sports event featuring teams and athletes from 11 countries in the region. Esports made its debut as an official medal event in 2019, where host nation Philippines walked away with three gold medals.

The 31st SEA Games will include eight esports titles: Arena of Valor, Crossfire, FIFA Online 4, Free Fire, League of Legends, League of Legends: Wild Rift, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and PUBG Mobile.

READ MORE: Esports at SEA Games 2019: Final medal tally