China hosts esports’ biggest moment with Tencent at the wheel

In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, a projection of a digital torchbearer lights the cauldron at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium during the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. This week, hundreds of elite gamers are descending upon the scenic city to represent their countries at the 19th Asian Games. — AP

China scythed nearly US$600bil (RM2.8 trillion) off Tencent Holdings Ltd’s market value in its crackdown on tech and gaming. Now the country is betting on its biggest company – and professionalised video games – to help restore some national pride.

This week, hundreds of elite gamers are descending upon the scenic city of Hangzhou, near Shanghai, to represent their countries at the 19th Asian Games. The once-in-four-years event, effectively a regional Olympics, is the first time that competitive video games will be eligible for medals. Tencent has a hand in making or publishing four of the seven multiplayer titles that will be contested as esports.