With a state of emergency declared in Lima, Peru, we spoke to the organizers of the Lima Dota 2 Major, 4D Esports.
On Saturday, Jan. 15, a state of emergency was declared in Lima, Peru, and some of its neighboring regions, casting a shadow on the upcoming Lima Major 2023. Peru’s first Dota 2 event seems in peril after this declaration was made in the wake of protests against the country’s President, Dina Boluarte.
4D Esports were the hosts and organizers of the South American DPC during all three tours of the 2021/2022 season. In 2022 it was revealed that 4D would be the host of the Lima Major.
Esports.gg reached out to 4D Esports chief operating officer Ramón "Swadow" López to ask about the current situation and its potential effects on the LATAM’s first Dota 2 Major.
4D Esports on the Lima state of emergency
4D and Swadow’s biggest message? “We don't have any reason to believe the state of emergency is going to affect the Major at all.” While the state of emergency has effectively authorized the army to intervene to maintain order, and suspended freedom of movement and assembly, this shouldn’t affect the Major. Cusco international airport, a tourist hub, had been closed earlier this month, but was reopened this week. Lima's primary airport, Jorge Chavez International Airport, has remained open.
“We don't have any reason to believe the state of emergency is going to affect the Major at all.”
“The fact is that a state of emergency is declared in preparation for future measures but usually is declared just as a very precautionary thing,” Explained López, while not downplaying the gravity of the situation. “4D is very sympathetic to the situation in Puno and we send our condolences to those affected. We are hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to the incidents.” Puno, a city 800 miles south of Lima, has been one of the hotbeds of protests.
Related articles
What happens in a worse case scenario?
We asked Swadow if there is a contingency plan in place if attendance to the Lima Major is affected by the ongoing situation: “Yes, we have alternatives should the situation deteriorate quickly but we are talking about a worst case scenario that should be extremely unlikely.”
We were also keen to know if the situation in Lima and Peru affected 4D Esports or its employees already. It was a relief to hear this wasn’t the case. “I understand a lot of the international press is discussing the situation in Peru, but the fact is that I don't believe anyone I've chatted with, not just 4D, but several teams that are working the event such as production, staging, hotel, traveling agencies, have seen or been affected by the revolts.”
“Yes, we have alternatives should the situation deteriorate quickly but we are talking about a worst case scenario that should be extremely unlikely.”
“I don't want to come off as ignorant either, I understand the situation is serious in some parts of the country. But the reality is Lima and most of Peru remains unaffected by the revolts and businesses run as usual.”
As a final sign off, Swadow thanked the fans, who just days ago had sold out the first wave of tickets for the Lima Major: “I'd like to thank all the fans that have been keeping an eye on the historical first major in SA! We appreciate your support, we do this for you! Looking forward seeing everyone at the Arena 1. See you in Lima!”
Stay tuned to esports for the latest Dota 2 news and updates.
