Updated: Hi-Rez Postpones Smite Tournament Broadcasts

Update: May 24

Unfortunately, we now know why the broadcasts were cancelled, and I'm sure all of us would have preferred it to have been some major technical issues. As revealed on the SmitePro twitter account yesterday, Smite tournament caster John Finch passed away on Thursday.

Finch, 28, was first introduced to Hi-Rez fans via The Caster, Hi-Rez's reality show created to find new caster talent. He'd been a member of the team since. Over the weekend, members of the Hi-Rez team posted various statements and videos in honor of Finch. All of which can be found via the SmitePro Twitter account.

For those wondering when the SPL broadcasts will resume, announcements will be made at a later time.

Our esports family is deeply saddened to share this news with all of you.

John Finch was one of the best among us. He will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/MOaSlJHUHL

— SmitePro (@SmitePro) May 23, 2021

Rest in peace with all our love @finchcaster. A deeply sad day for the SMITE community. pic.twitter.com/PztYBEPRlP

— Stewart Chisam (@schisam) May 23, 2021

I've held this for 4 years and always told John I would air it one day. This is his original application to "The Caster". He was right about everything he said. pic.twitter.com/59j0iX79kO

— Hinduman (@Hinduman_) May 23, 2021

pic.twitter.com/Ws2gciJs4w

— /r/SmitePro (@rSmitePro) May 23, 2021

Original Post: May 21

Smite esports fans who were looking forward to some of the streams this weekend now need to make other plans, as all SCC and SPL broadcasts have been postponed. Hi-Rez announced the postponement a few hours ago via the SmitePro Twitter account, stating that they're unable to offer any details, but they'll update everyone as soon as they can.

An update on all esports broadcasts for this weekend: pic.twitter.com/7uDzBHApme

— SmitePro (@SmitePro) May 21, 2021

This announcement came a little less than 24 hours after yesterday's SPL cast was cancelled, "Due to unforseen circumstances." As of this writing, there have been no additional updates. Although, Smite fans on Twitter and Reddit have been busy speculating and generally agree that the problem must be something other than technical, as Hi-Rez would have just explained that.

⚠ SPL UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, we are cancelling today's SPL broadcast.

Games will be played at a later day. We will release more information on where you can watch these matches soon. pic.twitter.com/EEpm0iHquG

— SmitePro (@SmitePro) May 20, 2021

Hopefully, whatever the problem is doesn't involve someone having been injured or something equally bad.