Since 1951, the Asian Games has been a prominent Olympic event across the continent of Asia. Every four years, forty-five Asian nations are invited to compete in a diverse and exciting multi-sport event. Effectively, the Asian Games mirrors the global Olympics and features many of the same sports. However, just hours ago, a list of top-tier esports was confirmed as medal events for the 2022 Asian Games.
In this landmark revelation, it was announced that the following eight titles would see coverage at the 2022 Asian Games:
- FIFA
- League of Legends
- HearthStone
- PUBG Mobile
- Street Fighter V
- Dream Three Kingdoms 2
- Dota 2
- Arena of Valor
This is a huge and progressive leap forward for esports, as the 2022 Asian Games now transitions into a truly hybridised event. In the past, certain non-traditional events such as board games have been a part of the Asian Games. Although, this is the first time in history that video games will make an appearance.
One Giant Leap For Esports
Recently, we posted an article discussing the massive predicted growth for esports as an industry. It was revealed in an in-depth, comprehensive report that the APAC region is expected to drive the majority of this growth. It was suggested that, statistically, more than 43% of all esports growth will emanate from this region in the next five years.
And, as we look at the news regarding the 2022 Asian Games, we can easily see why. Throughout Asia, there’s a diverse and remarkably popular culture of gaming. There are many titles competed exclusively within the confines of Asia, and almost every platform has an esports foundation in the region.
Where the Asian Games event is concerned, it’s China that stands as something of reigning champion. To date, China has claimed almost 3200 medals across a wide variety of proficiencies. If we look at China’s connection with esports, we can see which titles are most popular in that particular region.
According to esportsflag.com, China’s competitors massively prefer Dota 2, with titles like Overwatch and League of Legends coming in close behind. However, countries like South Korea and Japan also boast vibrant and overwhelmingly popular esports ecosystems, further backing up the in-region growth claims.
Bringing Esports To Another Stage
The entire industry is set to grow exponentially in all areas. This includes aspects such as brand marketing and of course, esports betting.
In a press release, published by The Olympic Council of Asia, a promise was made:
We at the OCA are looking forward to working closely with our friends at the Asian Electronic Sports Federation and the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee to ensure a successful execution of the esports event at the 2022 Asian Games.
If this event proves to be popular among fans of both esports and traditional sports, a trend could begin. It may only be a matter of time before we see esports tournaments being played at Olympic events on a global scale.
The 2022 Asian Games event will commence in September of 2022, with many esports teams standing ready to pick up an inaugural victory.
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