#China #Shanghai #Esports World Cup #Hero Esports #Asian Champions League

Introduction

On March 19, 2025, the HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League (ACL) made its debut in Shanghai, showcasing a lineup of nine video game titles. This premier multi-title esports tournament, organized by Hero Esports, aims to engage gamers and fans across Asia while offering a coveted pathway to the Esports World Cup (EWC).

Tournament Overview

The ACL features an exciting selection of popular gaming titles that spans multiple genres, ensuring a captivating experience for a broad audience. Here’s a glance at the competing titles:

• - Counter-Strike 2 (CS2)
• - Dota 2
• - Honor of Kings
• - Street Fighter 6
• - The Legend Cup of League of Legends
• - Teamfight Tactics
• - VALORANT Champions Tour
• - Delta Force
• - Crossfire

These games represent a mix of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA), First Person Shooter (FPS), strategy, and fighting genres, thus creating a comprehensive esports event that is expected to appeal to the vast majority of esports fans.

Direct Entry to the Esports World Cup

One of the most exciting aspects of this tournament is that winners from the ACL will automatically qualify for the Esports World Cup, set to take place in Riyadh this summer. The EWC is recognized as the largest esports festival in the world, featuring clubs from around the globe competing for a record-breaking prize pool. The previous edition saw 1,500 elite players from 200 clubs across 100 countries participate in 22 tournaments for an astonishing $60 million prize pool. This year promises even more excitement as it returns to Riyadh.

Grand Finals and Audience Engagement

The ACL Grand Finals are scheduled for May 16-18 and will take place at various venues across Shanghai. With anticipated daily attendance of over 10,000 spectators, this event is expected to unite thousands of esports enthusiasts. Additionally, the ACL will collaborate with the renowned DreamHack gaming festival, melding top-notch esports competitions with vibrant gaming culture through exclusive merchandise, advanced gaming technology, and much more.

Prize Pool and Participation

With a total prize pool of up to $2 million, the ACL aims to create a thrilling atmosphere that encourages participation from gamers throughout the region. The initial Counter-Strike 2 tournament has already sparked excitement as more than 1,000 teams from 32 cities in Asia have signed up, marking it as one of the largest CS2 tournaments worldwide.

Comments from Key Figures

Jonny Wang, the CEO of the ACL, expressed confidence about the tournament’s potential to set a new standard for the esports landscape in Asia. "With these nine game titles, we are confident that we'll create a comprehensive esports event that satisfies the vast majority of esports fans," he stated.

Danny Tang, Co-Founder and CEO of Hero Esports, remarked on the broader vision of bringing international esports tournaments to regional platforms. He stated, "The ACL's continued collaboration with the Esports World Cup is an example of this vision becoming a reality, and it represents Hero Esports' commitment to shaping and empowering esports globally."

About Hero Esports

Founded in 2016, Hero Esports has rapidly grown to become the largest esports company in Asia, producing over 7,000 matches annually for an online fanbase exceeding 800 million. With headquarters in Shanghai and numerous offices, Hero Esports is dedicated to advancing the esports sector by organizing important tournaments, marketing solutions, and fostering community development. The company has collaborated with major game publishers and brought several prestigious tournaments, including the Olympic Esports Week and popular esports leagues, to life.

In conclusion, the HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League not only establishes a crucial competitive platform for aspiring esports teams but also enriches the Asian gaming community by providing thrilling and accessible viewing experiences. As the esports industry continues to grow, the ACL stands as a significant milestone on the path towards international recognition and excellence in esports.