Shanghai launches Asian Champions League to boost esports industry

With a total prize pool of $2 million, this year's ACL Grand Finals are set to take place from May 16 to May 18 at several venues across Shanghai, expecting to draw over ten thousands of audiences offline daily. Also, the grand finals will also work with the globally renowned gaming festival DreamHack to bring together the world's top esports players, cutting-edge gaming technologies, as well as diverse merchandise and gaming enthusiasts.

During the launch ceremony, Hero Esports also signed cooperation agreements with Shanghai Jiushi (Group) Co Ltd and Jin Jiang International Holdings Co, aiming to promote the integration and coordinated development of the city's sports stadiums, esports and tourism industries. Jonny Wang, the league's chief executive officer, said the collaboration will inject new impetus to the city's sports and esports industrial development.

"As a tournament born and rooted in Shanghai, the ACL will work with partners to deepen the integration of sports, cultural tourism, consumption and technologies. We hope to show the city's cultural charm to global audiences with such esports tournaments and activities. We believe the event will boost the esports industry in China and the whole of Asia, and will further expand Shanghai's influence at the global esports stage," Wang added.