Shanghai Set to Host Groundbreaking Esports Event with ACL Grand Finals in May 2025

Shanghai to Host the HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League Grand Finals 2025



Shanghai is gearing up to become the epicenter of esports as it prepares to host the HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League (ACL) Grand Finals from May 16 to 18, 2025. This prestigious tournament will feature nine top esports titles and is expected to draw over 80,000 fans to three of the city's most iconic venues: the SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center, Jing'an Sports Center, and the National Exhibition and Convention Center.

Uniting Top Titles and Global Audiences


The 2025 ACL will not only showcase elite gaming competition but also serve as a platform for fans around the world to engage with the events live. Global broadcasts will be available via popular streaming platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok, providing millions of viewers a front-row seat to the action.

With a total prize pool of $2 million, participating teams will vie for not just accolades, but also a direct entry into the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which is set to be the largest esports event in history later this year.

Venue Highlights


  • - SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center (Esports Coliseum): Home to high-stakes matches in Counter-Strike 2 and League of Legends, among others.
  • - Jing'an Sports Center (Tactical Esports Arena): A battleground for Valorant and CrossFire competitions.
  • - National Exhibition and Convention Center (Global Gaming Festival Hub): Hosting various games such as DOTA 2 and Street Fighter 6 along with interactive experiences.

Event Fusion: The ACL x DreamHack


A remarkable addition to this year’s tournament is the partnership with DreamHack, the world’s largest gaming festival. This collaboration will integrate an electronic and rap music festival alongside esports, creating an immersive environment for attendees, and setting a new standard for gaming events.

Executive Insights


Jonny Wang, CEO of ACL, emphasized Shanghai's unmatched infrastructure and enthusiastic esports community as key reasons for selecting the city as host. "Combining our elite competition with DreamHack's festival atmosphere will provide an unprecedented experience for fans and players alike," he stated. Furthermore, Danny Tang, Co-Founder and CEO of Hero Esports, underlined that this ambitious endeavor not only showcases Asian talent but also enhances the overall fan experience through next-level production values.

About the HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League


The ACL is Asia's premier multi-title esports event, uniting various gaming cultures and offering significant rewards for players and audiences alike. Founded in 2016, Hero Esports has made substantial strides in the esports industry, producing over 7,000 matches annually and boasting a dedicated online fanbase exceeding 800 million. Their collaborations with major game publishers and involvement in prestigious global events positions Hero Esports as a frontrunner in esports innovation.

Looking Ahead


As the countdown to the ACL Grand Finals continues, Shanghai is poised to solidify its reputation as the global esports capital. With renowned titles and thrilling live performances, this event promises to deliver not just a competition, but a celebration of gaming culture at its finest. For more details, fans can check the official ACL website at esportsacl.com.

Topics Entertainment & Media)

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