Once viewed as a niche subculture, Esports has firmly cemented itself in the global spotlight in recent years. With competitive gaming now regarded as a professional pursuit, the lives of esports athletes are increasingly drawing attention. From rigorous training schedules to the intense pressure of international competitions, these players are redefining what it means to be an athlete in the modern world. The recent documentary "One Battle, All the Way (一竞到底)" shines a light on the lives of top players, offering an intimate look into their world.
The Making of a Champion
Released in October 2023, "One Battle, All the Way" is the first-ever documentary to focus on competitive esports in China, explicitly highlighting the esports discipline of "Peacekeeper Elite", a popular mobile game that became an official event at the 2022 Asian Games. Directed by Yang Fan, the documentary chronicles the journey of three professional players—Zhu Bocheng (朱伯丞) (Pararboy), Feng Shujie (冯姝杰) (Suk), and Xu Zhuohang (徐舟航) (77H)—who represent the cutting-edge of competitive mobile gaming.
The documentary's choice of players is no accident. Zhu Bocheng, who led the "Peacekeeper Elite" team to a gold medal at the Asian Games, epitomizes the excellence esports athletes strive for. Feng Shujie, a multiple-time season champion, demonstrates the consistency and mastery needed to stay at the game's top. Xu Zhuohang, the rising star, brings an inspiring narrative of perseverance and youthful ambition. Together, these players represent their individual skills and the broader esports community's ethos—grit, determination, and the relentless pursuit of victory.
Yang Fan's (杨帆) decision to follow these players was influenced by their shared spirit and the natural drama of their careers. As the director notes, their stories are full of emotional highs and lows, which provides a raw and honest portrayal of the esports world. "One Battle, All the Way" is, in the director's own words, an "unpolished" film. The team had complete access to the players' lives, and rather than glamorizing the experience, they chose to reveal the unvarnished truth about the struggles, challenges, and pressures esports professionals face.
The Grind Behind the Glory
The daily lives of esports athletes are far from glamorous. Many outsiders might assume that gaming is about sitting in front of a screen, playing for hours and racking up victories. But as "One Battle, All the Way" reveals, the reality is much more demanding.
For Xu Zhuohang (77H), one of the documentary's central figures, the journey to success is not without its sacrifices. The camera follows him closely, capturing moments of solitude, intense focus, and physical exhaustion. From the long hours of practice to the mental toll of preparing for high-stakes tournaments, the life of an esports player is as gruelling as it is exhilarating.
Moreover, there's a stark contrast between a champion's public persona and a gamer's private life. The documentary captures candid moments of the players' downtime, offering a glimpse into their personalities outside the game. Xu, for instance, is shown unwinding after a particularly tough day, allowing the audience to connect with him as more than just a player but as a person navigating the complexities of professional life.
As esports grows into a more formalized industry, players are also expected to manage their mental and physical health. The documentary showcases their resilience and determination, but it doesn't shy away from showing their struggles. These athletes must constantly deal with stress, burnout, and the ever-present pressure of competition. Their exciting and fast-paced lives also demand an immense amount of discipline, not just in gameplay but in managing their overall well-being.
Esports as a Universal Language
Although the documentary focuses on players from China, its themes resonate globally. "One Battle, All the Way" isn't just a story for gamers; it's for anyone who has faced adversity, worked tirelessly for a dream, or fought to remain optimistic in the face of challenges.
Yang Fan and the team behind the film made a conscious effort to ensure that the documentary could appeal to gamers and a broader audience. They invited viewers who didn't play video games to preview the film and provide feedback, ensuring that the emotional depth and universal themes could be fully appreciated. This was crucial as esports continued to gain traction in mainstream culture. "We want to show everyone that the spirit of esports is not limited to gaming—it's about perseverance, teamwork, and fighting against the odds," said Yang.
For the players themselves, the film serves as a reminder of why they do what they do. Xu Zhuohang, reflecting on the filming experience, mentioned that the documentary allowed him to share his love for gaming and his optimism with others. He hopes his journey will inspire people to approach their challenges with a similar sense of passion and resilience. "Even when life feels difficult, it's important to stay optimistic and approach everything with energy," he said.
The impact of esports is undeniable. The industry will bring new opportunities, challenges, and stories as it evolves. "One Battle, All the Way" is not just a snapshot of the esports scene at one moment in time but a testament to the enduring spirit of competition and the unique lives of those who dedicate themselves to mastering their craft.
Esports, like any sport, is about more than just the game. It's about the people behind the screens—those who push themselves to be the best, deal with setbacks, and strive to inspire others. "One Battle, All the Way" offers an intimate, unfiltered look into this world, revealing the hardships and rewards of being a professional gamer. It's a reminder that esports is as much about human perseverance and passion as it is about pixels and performance. And, for those who watch the documentary, it offers a glimpse into a world where every battle is worth fighting.
