HANGZHOU: In a groundbreaking moment for the world of gaming, host nation China won the first-ever gold medal in eSports at the Asian Games. China triumphed 2-0 over Malaysia in the smartphone game “Arena of Valor,” marking a significant milestone for eSports, which is making its debut as a medal event at the Games in Hangzhou. This development is seen as a major step towards eSports potentially becoming part of the Olympics in the future.
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The Asian Games have embraced eSports with medals up for grabs in seven gaming titles, including “Arena of Valor,” “League of Legends,” and “EA Sports FC Online.” “Arena of Valor,” a fantasy-themed smartphone game, requires players to assume virtual avatars with distinct traits and strengths. They collaborate with teammates to dismantle enemy towers on their way to the ultimate objective: destroying the opposing team’s crystal.
The Hangzhou Esports Center, packed with an enthusiastic audience primarily composed of Chinese fans, bore witness to this historic moment. The young spectators passionately waved flags, banners, and photos of their favorite players in support of the host country. One banner in the crowd conveyed the sentiment of the moment: “Chinese eSports, step onstage and create legends!”
eSports Popularity at Asian Games
As Team China stepped onto the stage, they were met with resounding cheers from the crowd, while Team Malaysia received polite applause. The initial round of the best-of-three match witnessed China taking a swift lead over Malaysia in dismantling enemy towers, putting the Southeast Asian team on the defensive.
Players remained almost motionless in rows of gaming chairs on stage, their hands moving rapidly to control their on-screen “heroes.”
eSports’ popularity was further underscored by the fact that it was the only competition at the Asian Games for which tickets were initially distributed through an online lottery system before being made available for direct purchase last week.
Earlier in the day, Thailand secured the first-ever Asian Games medal in eSports, defeating Vietnam to claim the bronze medal in “Arena of Valor.” Thai player Kawee Wachiraphas expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m playing for my country, and I’m so excited to win a medal for my country.”
Chinese eSports enthusiast Gong Lin, a spectator at the event, expressed her confidence in the home team’s victory, particularly emphasizing her trust in Team China’s captain, Luo Siyuan, saying, “I have a lot of confidence in him particularly.”
