China's eSports powerhouse status undermined by tough new gaming rules for under 18s

Rogue Warriors eSports team members take a break before a training session at their club in Shanghai, China. — Reuters

SHANGHAI: In glass-panelled conference rooms, members of the Shanghai-based eSports team Rogue Warriors tap away at their phones as they train from 11am till late, occasionally breaking for food.

"I spend 15 of 24 hours a day playing video games," says 19-year-old Zhang Kaifeng who plays Tencent Holdings Ltd's online battle arena game Arena of Valor professionally, adding that the long hours are necessary to remain competitive.