Hangzhou, China: December 12, 2024: The inaugural Hangzhou Asian Esports Week, led by the Olympic Council of Asia, was officially launched at the International Expo Center in Hangzhou, China from December 12-15, 2024. This marks the first large-scale international esports exhibition in the city since esports became an official medal event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Wang Guoping, former Zhejiang Provincial Party Committee member; AESF Director General Mr. Sebastian Lau and several senior officials from the Hangzhou Municipal Government and related organizations.
In his opening address, Mr. Huang Haifeng, Member of the Standing Committee of the Hangzhou Municipal Party Committee, emphasized the city's commitment to advancing the esports industry in line with President Xi Jinping's development strategy of "competitive sports, mass sports, sports culture and sports industry.”
He highlighted Hangzhou's vision of becoming a national intellectual sports hub, driven by high-quality esports development.
Mr. Sebastian Lau expressed deep appreciation for the Hangzhou Municipal Government’s continued support, underscoring AESF's mission to promote esports' sustainable development through competition, education and cultural exchange. He emphasized that Hangzhou Asian Esports Week offers a platform for industry leaders to share ideas, showcase innovations and drive industry growth while engaging more young people in esports.
Mr. Vinod Kumar Tiwari, Deputy Director General of the OCA, shared a congratulatory message, recognizing esports as a global connector of youth through technology, competition and culture. He noted that the event unites athletes, fans and industry leaders to celebrate the competitive spirit and dynamic growth of Asian esports.
The Asian Esports Technical Level Certification Center, co-initiated by the Hangzhou Intellectual Sports Management Center and AESF, was officially launched during the ceremony. The Hangzhou Online Game Competitive Transformation Project also debuted, further strengthening the city's digital sports development.
The event also includes the Hangzhou Asian Esports Week Competition, featuring professional esports players participating from China, Hong Kong China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Chinese Taipei competing in titles such as War of the Three Kingdoms, Dream Three Kingdoms, UBR Junior, RaceRoom, and ZT FPV Car Racing. The competition reflects the Olympic values of "Excellence, Friendship and Respect," aligning with Hangzhou's strategy to position itself as an international esports hub.
The event also featured exhibitions from 20 participating leading esports companies, including AESF partner Tencent Esports. A virtual sports experience zone, powered by AI and VR technologies, offered visitors an immersive "sports and technology" experience, reflecting Hangzhou’s digital economy leadership.
Hangzhou Asian Esports Week paves the way for the future of esports by driving innovation, collaboration and cultural exchange across Asia’s expanding digital sports industry. Its unique blend of exhibitions, competitions and carnival-style events highlights industry achievements, boosts digital engagement and fosters community participation.
