China’s Esports Phenomenon
Thousands of buzzing fans excitedly file into the spacious sold-out arena, phones, posters, and other merchandise in hand. They had spent hours waiting in the freezing cold for the highly anticipated event. As the lights dim, a sense of adrenaline fills the stadium, intensified after a lengthy pandemic prohibited their gathering. Massive screens are suspended from the ceiling and beams of multicolored light illuminate the stage. Suddenly, a cacophony of frantic keyboard clicking and booming video game sounds echoes throughout the stadium while people begin to roar in support. Competitive gamers crouch over their PCs, determined and concentrated faces lit up by their bright computer screens. They’re the athletes pioneering a new and unconventional sport: esports.
While most people consider video games a hobby, it has become a full-time profession for some. Defined as competitions using video games (usually multiplayer console or computer games), esports has gained widespread popularity in China. Even the Chinese government has recognized esports as a professional sport. As of 2020, China has the largest esports industry in the world with over 720 million gamers and is considered the epicenter of professional gaming due to its technological advancements. Last year, the Chinese esports industry generated $385 billion in revenue and has increased rapidly since COVID-19 lockdowns.
Not only is esports profitable for game developers, but also for professional esports gamers. Professional gamers are usually young, ranging from 16-21 years old, and start training in their adolescent years. Esports training requires serious dedication and persistence, with pro-players spending upwards of 7-9 hours per day training. Once their skills start showing promise, clubs can recruit gamers to play with professional teams in tournaments and competitions. Hosted by large gaming companies, tournaments are very lucrative and can offer a prize pool of over 12 million U.S. dollars. Additionally, these competitions have a good turnout and are able to sell lots of merchandise. Even if they don’t win prize money, gamers also earn an income through sponsorships and live streaming their gameplay. In China’s Yunnan province, a disabled teen, unable to move his limbs except for his fingers, was able to support his impoverished family through streaming esports. His consistent income was able to alleviate his family of any debts and help his sister study at university.
Not only is China’s phenomenal esports industry a reflection of its exceptional technological advancements, but a great source of employment that makes it stand out from other esports markets around the world.