New local, regional and national interim policies have been introduced around the world by legislators and regulators on countries citizens, industries and cross boarder travelling to contain the spread of the new Coronavirus and Covid-19. These measures have impacted MTG’s esports vertical, which is built around large live events with audience similar to sports events: in ESL’s case it’s pro-level esports tournaments and competitions and in DreamHack’s case gaming lifestyle festivals featuring esports and Bring-Your-Own-Computer elements.

As a consequence, MTG’s portfolio company ESL has decided to adjust some events in its esports Master properties schedule to ensure business continuity and continued delivery of esports entertainment in a responsible way, while taking into account current limitations and restrictions on a country per country basis.

The file attached to this announcement represent the current situation for ESL and Dreamhack as of March 23rd 2020 and is subject to change. Because of the fluidity of the situation and the need to adapt accordingly, information around further changes to ESL and Dreamhack’s festival and Master properties schedule will be made regularly as and when required.

While MTG regrets the impact these changes will have on fans of esports, the teams and its partners, we’re confident in that the decisions made are right given the circumstances. Many countries are taking relevant precautions in order to secure public health and contain the spreading of Corona and Covid-19, and MTG together with its portfolio companies strive to support those efforts.

“We're deeply sorry that these tough but necessary changes to ESL's and DreamHack's event calendars need to be made in light of the new Coronavirus pandemic, realising that there is considerable negative impact for fans, teams and partners to us in esports,” says MTG’s President and CEO Jørgen Madsen Lindemann.

“However, as esport is global and inherently digital, the industry is uniquely positioned to continue to entertain audiences online, which is especially relevant at a time when live entertainment events are being cancelled” MTG President and CEO Jørgen Madsen Lindemann adds.

For more information:
Lars Torstensson, EVP Communications & Investor Relations
Direct: +46 (0)702-734 879, lars.torstensson (at) mtg.com
Oliver Carrà, Public Relations Director
Direct: +46 708 666 433, oliver.carra (at) mtg.com

Reach us: communications@mtg.com
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MTG (Modern Times Group MTG AB (publ.)) (www.mtg.com) is a strategic and operational investment holding company in esports and gaming entertainment. Born in Sweden, the shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (‘MTGA’ and ‘MTGB’).