diff --git a/src/p_setup.c b/src/p_setup.c
index c55604b9d..8f8abda03 100644
--- a/src/p_setup.c
+++ b/src/p_setup.c
@@ -8533,6 +8533,9 @@ static void P_InitPlayers(void)
 
 		players[i].mo = NULL;
 
+		if (players[i].bot && itembreaker)
+			continue;
+
 		if (!(gametyperules & GTR_CIRCUIT))
 		{
 			G_DoReborn(i);
@@ -9217,11 +9220,6 @@ void P_PostLoadLevel(void)
 	TracyCZone(__zone, true);
 	P_MapStart(); // g_tm.thing can be used starting from this point
 
-	if (G_GametypeHasSpectators())
-	{
-		K_CheckSpectateStatus(false);
-	}
-
 	if (demo.playback)
 		;
 	else if (grandprixinfo.gp == true)
@@ -9243,6 +9241,11 @@ void P_PostLoadLevel(void)
 		K_UpdateMatchRaceBots();
 	}
 
+	if (G_GametypeHasSpectators())
+	{
+		K_CheckSpectateStatus(false);
+	}
+
 	K_TimerInit();
 
 	P_InitPlayers();