Over the past few years, China has become a major player in the world of esports. With a growing fan base and increased investment from sponsors, teams like Edward Gaming and KONE have made history by qualifying for the East Asia LCQ (League Champions Korea) – the first-ever Chinese teams to reach this stage.
Edward Gaming, based in Shanghai, has been one of the most successful esports teams in China since their inception in 2015. With a roster full of talented players and a dedicated fan base, they have won numerous domestic titles and made a name for themselves on the global stage. In recent years, they’ve also made significant investments in improving their infrastructure and training methods to stay competitive with other top teams.
KONE, on the other hand, hails from Beijing and was established in 2014. While they haven’t achieved as much success as Edward Gaming, they have still proven themselves to be a formidable force in the Chinese esports scene. Their recent victory at the IEM Taipei Major further solidified their position as one of the top teams in the region.
Both teams have been able to achieve success by taking advantage of the growing interest in esports in China and leveraging their unique strengths and strategies. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how they did it and what lessons other aspiring Chinese teams can learn from their journey.
The Growing Interest in Esports in China
Esports has always been popular in China, with a rich history dating back to the early days of computer gaming. However, it wasn’t until the past few years that esports has truly taken off as a mainstream phenomenon in the country.
One of the key factors driving this growth is the increasing popularity of mobile gaming. With millions of Chinese people owning smartphones, mobile games like Honor of Kings have become incredibly popular, with millions of daily active users. This has led to the rise of professional esports teams and leagues focused on these games, with many of them based in China.
Another factor contributing to the growth of esports in China is the government’s support for the industry. The Chinese government recognizes esports as a legitimate form of sports and has been actively promoting it through various initiatives and events. In recent years, they’ve also invested heavily in building infrastructure and funding research to support the development of esports in the country.
The Impact of Sponsorship on Esports Teams
Sponsorship is a crucial component of any successful esports team’s strategy. In China, teams have been able to secure significant sponsorship deals with major brands and companies, which has helped them to grow their operations and expand their reach.
One of the most notable examples of this is Edward Gaming, who has secured sponsorship deals with major brands like Nike, Volkswagen, and McDonald’s. These partnerships have not only provided financial support but also helped the team to build brand recognition and credibility.
KONE has also been able to secure significant sponsorship deals, including partnerships with companies like Oppo and Huawei. These partnerships have helped them to expand their operations and improve their infrastructure, which has in turn helped them to compete at a higher level.
The Role of Talent and Strategy
While sponsorship is important, it’s ultimately the talent and strategy of the players that make the biggest difference on the field. Both Edward Gaming and KONE have proven themselves to be incredibly talented teams with unique strategies that have helped them to achieve success.
Edward Gaming has been known for their aggressive playstyle and their ability to adapt to different situations. They’ve also been able to build a strong team dynamic, with players who work well together and communicate effectively. This has helped them to win numerous domestic titles and make a name for themselves on the global stage.
KONE, on the other hand, have been known for their strong strategic play and their ability to think outside the box. They’ve also been able to build a roster full of talented players who complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This has helped them to achieve success in domestic leagues and make an impact on the global stage.
The Future of Esports in China
With the rise of Chinese teams like Edward Gaming and KONE, esports is set to continue its growth in China for years to come. As more people become interested in esports and more companies invest in the industry, we can expect to see even more exciting developments and innovations on the field.
However, there are also challenges that Chinese teams will need to overcome if they want to continue their success. These include increased competition from other Asian teams, as well as the need to adapt to changing technology and gameplay mechanics.
In conclusion, Edward Gaming and KONE’s journey to the East Asia LCQ is a testament to the growing interest in esports in China and the potential for Chinese teams to achieve success on the global stage. By taking advantage of their unique strengths and strategies, these teams have been able to overcome the challenges facing them and make history. As more Chinese teams enter the scene, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for esports in China and beyond.