Hong Kong’s own international e-sports team? It could happen soon
Local advocate for the burgeoning industry says government needs to recognise the pursuit as a real sport, as he plans tournament against nearby countries early next year
Local gamers could represent Hong Kong against other international e-sports teams as early as January, according to the head of the body pushing the burgeoning industry in the city.
And the team could play at the 2022 Asian Games, where e-sports will be recognised as an official event.
Eric Yeung Chuen-sing, newly elected president of the E-sports Association Hong Kong, urged the government to recognise e-sports as a sport and subsidise gamers to enter international contests. The measures are key in enabling the “young people’s industry” of e-sports to take off in the city and keep up with a rising global trend, he said.
E-sports, or electronic sports, are multiplayer video game tournaments, in which contestants compete for hefty cash prizes. It has also grown into a popular spectator sport.
According to gaming industry research service Newzoo, revenue from the global e-sports market is forecast to jump 41 per cent year on year to US$696 million this year, with China the world’s second-largest market after the US, taking 15 per cent of the global industry.
