China's esports ecosystem impresses players aiming to engage more fans

Andrej Francisty, a 31-year-old American esports player for the G2 Esports team better known as "babybay", recently completed an "unbelievable" journey in Shanghai.

Francisty and his team finished in the top four at Valorant Champions 2026, one of the world's highest-level esports tournaments and the crowning event of the Valorant esports calendar.

The tournament, landing in China for the first time, ran from Sept 24 to Oct 18 in Shanghai and brought together 16 top-tier Valorant teams from across the world. In the grand finale, Brazilian team LOUD defeated France's Team Vitality 3-1 to secure the title. LOUD's 18-year-old Roberto "erde" Lobos was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

For Francisty, this journey is even more special beyond the victories. Marking his fourth time to China as an esports competitor, he has garnered many Chinese fans and sees the nation as "a second home".

"Good has always happened to me here. I've been here so many times and have always loved the food, people, and everything here. It feels like it's the right place to be," says Francisty with a big smile.

He first visited China about 15 years ago, when the then 16-year-old player came as a competitor for another esports tournament. Through ups and downs, he participated in the Valorant Shanghai Masters two years ago as a commentator, and found his way back to this city as an esports player once again.