On the evening of November 3, 2024, the 4th East Asia Esports Championship concluded with a stunning victory for the Chinese national team, who took home the coveted team champion title. With a total score of 16 points, China topped the overall standings across three fiercely contested esports titles: "Pro Evolution Soccer", "Honor of Kings", and "League of Legends". The tournament, which took place over three days, marked a significant milestone as the first time the prestigious competition had been hosted offline in China, bringing together top esports players from East Asia for intense matches, cultural exchanges, and landmark agreements on future collaborations in the esports and tourism industries.
An Intense Battle Across Three Titles
The competition saw elite players from China, Japan, Korea, and other regions compete for supremacy in esports. The Chinese team, which included some of the country's most skilled players—like Zhou Yitao (周诣涛), a well-known figure in the Chinese gaming community—dominated much of the competition, securing spots in the finals of all three events.
In "Pro Evolution Soccer", the Chinese team faced a fierce battle against Japan's top players but ultimately finished in second place, narrowly missing the gold medal. However, the Chinese team was unbeatable in the "Honor of Kings" event, triumphing over South Korea with a dominant 3-0 victory. Lastly, in "League of Legends", China secured the gold medal with a 3-1 win against Korea, completing a solid showing across all three major competitions.
China's 16-point total secured them the overall team champion title of the 4th East Asia Esports Championship, proving their prowess in individual events and collective strength across the diverse range of esports disciplines.
While the competition was thrilling, the 4th East Asia Esports Championship was more than just a gaming event—it celebrated the convergence between the esports industry and the tourism sector. During the event, the theme of "Travel with Esports" was brought to life through a series of specially designed tourism packages, offering attendees the chance to explore some of Chengdu's most iconic cultural sites. From historical landmarks to modern entertainment hubs, the collaboration between esports and tourism was evident, creating a unique fusion experience for players, fans, and industry professionals.
As esports continues to grow in popularity, cities like Chengdu—where the event was held—are quickly becoming global esports hubs. With its rich cultural heritage and vibrant youth population, Chengdu provides the perfect environment for the esports industry to thrive. According to Kong Ming, Secretary-General of the China Cultural and Entertainment Industry Association, "Chengdu is a city full of energy and inclusivity, with a rich cultural backdrop and a dynamic esports atmosphere that makes it a popular destination for players and tourists."
Blending esports with tourism is increasingly seen as a significant driver of economic growth, particularly in the context of Chengdu's development. The event featured a series of cultural exchanges and signed agreements, including establishing an "Esports and Tourism Integration Development Alliance" with the Chengdu Esports Association and other local institutions. These agreements aim to build a lasting partnership between the two industries, fostering further innovation and growth.
A New Chapter for the Esports Industry
One of the major highlights of this year's event was the signing of strategic cooperation agreements between leading esports and cultural tourism organizations. This includes partnerships with entities like the Qingcheng Mountain (青城山)-Dujiangyan (都江堰) Scenic Area Management Bureau, which aims to integrate esports into Chengdu's tourism industry further, and the Qingcheng Cooperation Area, which will focus on fostering esports tourism across the broader region. Additionally, agreements were made with companies like AG Esports Group and Sichuan Film and Television Academy to explore new avenues for esports development within the tourism sector.
In this rapidly evolving landscape, esports is no longer just about competition—it's becoming a powerful economic engine that stimulates tourism and local consumption. Le Kedeng (乐可登), Chairman of AG Esports Group, remarked, "We see the tremendous opportunities and value esports brings to the table. It attracts more visitors, generates consumption, and creates new economic growth. The 'Esports +' model is rapidly transforming how we think about industry collaboration."
The agreement between the various organizations signifies a commitment to integrating esports into the broader cultural tourism ecosystem. The synergy between these two industries holds tremendous potential, with opportunities for further collaboration on events, infrastructure, and regional marketing campaigns to bring more international visitors to Chengdu.
The Future of Esports
As esports continues to grow in stature and influence, events like the 4th East Asia Esports Championship serve as both a showcase for the sport's evolving potential and a catalyst for future growth. The success of this year's tournament in Chengdu has laid a strong foundation for future esports competitions in China, offering a glimpse into the future of cross-industry partnerships that combine the excitement of gaming with the allure of travel and culture.
The integration of esports with tourism is still in its early stages, but with cities like Chengdu leading the way, the "Esports + Tourism" model is poised for growth in the coming years. As more players, fans, and tourists flock to these esports hotspots, the cultural and economic benefits will continue to expand, bringing new opportunities for both industries to flourish.
Ultimately, the 4th East Asia Esports Championship was not just a battle for gaming supremacy—it was a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and the bright future of esports as a global phenomenon.
