Advertisement
Over 100 million people watch esports victory in China
RNG beat South Korean rivals for historic League of Legends triumph
2-MIN READ2-MIN
This article originally appeared on ABACUS
Millions were glued to their screens, watching their team in a crucial final. By the end, shouts rang out at college campuses across China, celebrating victory and hailing their heroes.
This is how big esports are in China.
More than 126 million people in the country tuned in to watch RNG defeat South Korea’s Kingzone Dragon in the 2018 Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) final, one of the biggest tournaments in League of Legends. The viewing audience in China alone is equivalent to the entire population of Japan.
Advertisement
It shouldn’t be surprising because China has more gamers than anyone else. But it also is surprising, because just 17 years ago it called video games "digital heroin" -- and effectively banned them entirely.
Advertisement
The turnaround was clearly seen on Sunday night, after RNG (Royal Never Give Up) defeated their South Korean rivals in Paris.
It turned out to be a sleepless night for countless universities across China, as students chanted “Hail RNG!” following this milestone triumph. One video shows celebratory shouts at 40 different universities across the country.
Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x