Worlds 2022: Players Cleared to Play from Stage After False Positives On Day 1

News about COVID-19 tests and results seem to be headlining Worlds 2022’s Play-in stage in Mexico City, Mexico. On Day 1 of the opening stage yesterday multiple members tested positive for the COVID-19 virus and were forced to play the games in isolation. However, it has been revealed today by many players that they were given false positives in their COVID-19 rapid tests. After multiple players and team staff tested negative on the PCR tests, which are more accurate, the players will now step into Summoners’ Rift from the setups on stage. Riot Games also confirmed the development on 30th September.

MAD Lions and Fnatic talk about what happened

The European teams of MAD Lions and Fnatic had a good start to Worlds 2022 on 29th September despite multiple players playing from the isolation booths. On 30th September, MAD Lions jungler Javier “Elyoya” Prades wrote, “Seems like we were negative after all so we'll be playing today on stage.” The player also explained that it was a mistake that caused them precious practice time. Elyoya added, “It looks like it was a mistake, and thanks to that we have been confined all day without a PC or anything.” Likewise, the team’s coach James MacCormack also confirmed that he tested negative on the PCR.

Fnatic’s team director Javier “Dardo” Zafra took to Twitter to reveal that the COVID-19 scares from Day 1 of Worlds 2022 were false positive cases. He said, “Last minute update: We have all tested negative. There were apparently false positive cases yesterday and we will be able to compete onstage today.”

Notably, the team’s starting support Zdravets "Hylissang" Iliev Galabov has also landed in Mexico and is united with the team as Fnatic gears up to play Day 2 games with full energy.

Riot Games makes a statement

Riot Games confirmed that all the players participating in Worlds 2022 tested negative for COVID-19 in additional testing rounds. The company wrote, “Last night we conducted an additional round of COVID testing for all teams and all players have been cleared to compete on stage. We will continue to regularly test and monitor all participants to ensure the health and safety of players and staff at Worlds 2022.”

Notably, the false positive cases on Day 1 delayed all the matches and the broadcast was stretched to 11 hours as Riot Games worked to get players relocated to remote isolation facilities while still maintaining the competitive integrity of League of Legends’ title event.

Meanwhile, stay updated with the tournament by heading on to  Worlds 2022 Play-in: Teams, Groups, Schedule & More.