In recent years, esports has grown from a niche interest to a mainstream phenomenon, particularly in East Asia. The esports ecosystem has grown exponentially, from thrilling international competitions to local gaming communities. This shift has brought about new cultural opportunities, and the integration of esports with tourism and local culture has become a driving force in major cities across Asia. This evolution is being taken to new heights in Chengdu, a city known for its rich heritage and vibrant gaming scene.
From November 1 to November 3, Chengdu hosted the Fourth East Asia Esports Championship, marking the first event in a physical venue in China. This year's theme, "Travel with the Tournament," highlighted the competitive gaming spirit and embraced the cultural and tourism opportunities esports events offer local cities. The event was a dazzling showcase of how gaming, culture, and tourism can synergize to attract global attention.
A Celebration of Regional Unity and Competition
The East Asia Esports Championship is more than just a tournament; it is a platform for regional collaboration between China, Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. As esports has become a significant part of youth culture in these countries, the championship acts as a bridge for cultural exchange, fostering friendships and collaboration through a shared love of gaming.
The opening ceremony was a highlight of this year's event, setting the tone for the days of intense competition ahead. Players from all participating countries were introduced with flair, showcasing their talents in an electrifying ceremony that combined esports with music. One of the notable performances was by the top-ten finalists of the 2024 "Original Sound" competition, who brought an extra layer of excitement by merging the worlds of gaming and live music.
The competitive lineup of games included "Pro Evolution Soccer", "Honor of Kings", and "League of Legends". These titles are popular in China and have become esports staples in East Asia, drawing large audiences and generating global fanbases. The competition format varied by game, with each requiring a different set of strategies and skill levels. "League of Legends" saw single-elimination (BO1) for the qualifiers and a best-of-five (BO5) format for the finals, while "Honor of Kings" and "Pro Evolution Soccer" followed a similar structure with best-of-three (BO3) matches for the qualifiers and finals.
This strategic variety highlighted the tournament's competitive nature and offered spectators a thrilling experience that transcended the virtual worlds of the games themselves.
A New Frontier for Economic Growth
Chengdu's unique approach to the tournament was its integration of esports with tourism under the "Travel with the Tournament" theme. Beyond the competition, the event became a gateway for international visitors to experience the rich culture of Chengdu and its surrounding areas. The city's blend of modernity and tradition was fully displayed as players, media, and fans explored cultural landmarks such as the Wuhou Shrine (武侯祠) and the Panda Sanctuary (熊猫谷).
The tournament's cross-industry collaboration saw esports participants engage in activities that linked the digital world with Chengdu's rich history. For instance, at the Wuhou Shrine Museum, visitors were treated to a special exhibition where the iconic characters of Honor of Kings met historical figures like Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮) and Liu Bei (刘备). This immersive experience allowed gamers to enter the game's virtual world while connecting with China's Three Kingdoms culture.
Equally captivating were the "Esports + Tourism" experiences offered at destinations like Qingcheng Mountain (青城山) and the Panda Valley, where esports players participated in friendly matches while interacting with local wildlife, allowing fans and tourists to experience the charm of Chengdu beyond the gaming stage.
The combination of competitive gaming and cultural exploration made for a dynamic experience that invited fans to connect with Chengdu in new ways. In the process, tourism increased in the city, and new markets opened up for the local economy. Chengdu's tourism industry has long been a pillar of its economy, and this innovative fusion with esports is helping to strengthen the city's cultural tourism appeal.
Esports as a Catalyst for Economic and Social Change
As esports continues to reshape entertainment, cities like Chengdu increasingly recognize its potential to drive economic growth, particularly in sectors like tourism and technology. By leveraging esports events to attract international audiences, Chengdu is establishing itself as a central hub for the growing esports industry in China's southwest. This, in turn, is helping the city become a key player in the digital and cultural economies.
The tournament has also helped to spotlight the local esports infrastructure, showcasing Chengdu's ability to host large-scale international events and attracting talent worldwide. Beyond just the players and the games, the event highlighted the broader impact of esports on local economies, from hospitality and transport to digital marketing and technology innovation.
One of the most promising aspects of this synergy is how esports bridges generational and cultural divides. As tournament organizers and local tourism boards continue to capitalize on this connection, the potential for long-term social and economic benefits is immense. From improving the global recognition of Chengdu's cultural landmarks to boosting the city's position as a digital innovation centre, the esports-tourism fusion offers vast opportunities.
In a statement at the event, the organizers noted, "By blending gaming with tourism, we are creating an ecosystem that can continuously evolve and bring new life to both industries. We hope this collaboration will pave the way for further innovations, bringing cultural tourism and digital entertainment closer together."
As the tournament drew to a close, one thing was clear: Chengdu's vision for combining esports with local tourism has set a new standard for how cities can use the growing esports industry to boost their cultural and economic profile. With esports evolving into a global phenomenon, Chengdu has positioned itself as a forward-thinking city that embraces the future while honouring its past—creating a unique experience that resonates with visitors, gamers, and local communities alike.
