Shanghai has launched the prestigious 2025 Esports Masters, transforming the Jing’an Sports Center into a global competitive arena from December 3-7. The international tournament brings together nearly 100 elite athletes from multiple nations including China, Mongolia, and South Korea, signaling Shanghai’s growing dominance in the global esports landscape.
This year’s championship features four premier competitive titles: Honor of Kings: World (a newly added event for the 2026 Asian Games), Valorant, Overwatch, and Identity V. The diverse game selection represents both established franchises and emerging competitive scenes, offering something for every esports enthusiast.
According to Zhu Qinqin, Secretary-General of the Shanghai Esports Association, internationalization remains a core principle of the event’s development strategy. “Since our inception, we’ve prioritized global engagement,” Zhu stated. “This edition marks a significant milestone as we host overseas teams and welcome official observers from international esports organizations.”
The event represents Shanghai’s continued investment in esports infrastructure and global collaboration, positioning the city as a hub for competitive gaming innovation. The participation of international governing body observers indicates the event’s growing significance in the global esports calendar and potential influence on competitive standards worldwide.
Beyond the competition, the Masters serves as a testing ground for the 2026 Asian Games, particularly for the Honor of Kings: World discipline, providing valuable insights for players and organizers preparing for the multi-sport event’s esports debut.