BEIJING: Authorities in Guicheng subdistrict of Nanhai in Foshan, Guangdong province, have been holding esports competitions and introducing gaming industry investments in an effort to create a “city of esports “that appeals to young people.
For its latest move, the subdistrict launched an esports challenge event at the ancient Ancestral Hall of Family Liang in early August.
The Foshan Village Pro League marked its debut in 2023 as the first large-scale rural sports cooperation event initiated by local authorities. The event garnered attention from over 30 million online viewers and was recognized by the developer of Honor of Kings as an excellent annual esports event.
“We hope that each team will showcase their style and skill, leaving more glorious moments of youth during the competition,” said Xie Zhanming, deputy secretary of the Guicheng subdistrict Party working committee.
This year’s event has attracted over 100 teams with nearly 1,000 young esports players, according to the organizers. The competition’s influence extends across the entire Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with the average age of the participating players being around 28 years old.
“The event aims to make esports a prominent IP in Guicheng’s culture and sports industry,” said Xie, who looks forward to more projects, events and talent gathering in Guicheng to boost the development of its esports and digital economy.
This year’s Foshan Village PL event also launched an esports-themed study tour route, covering major culture and tourism areas and showcasing Nanhai’s multifaceted charm. –The Daily Mail-China Daily news exchange item
