League of Legends tournament sees Hong Kong join the global game – with billions up for grabs

From the outside there is little to indicate this is the venue for a hugely popular gaming event in a sport that’s growing rapidly worldwide.

The 2,000 sq ft industrial building in Kowloon Bay offers no clues to visitors who might have stumbled into the area, no signs indicating what is going on inside or directing spectators. It seems more likely to be holding some trade secret rather than hosting an e-sports video gaming tournament.

But once inside all becomes clear. A giant projector displays the action as it happens and there are seats to accommodate 80 spectators, mostly hip-looking youngsters.

On a stage, are two teams of five players, eyes glued to their computer monitors, fingers stabbing at keyboards, and hands frantically trying to manoeuvre mouses.

There is non-stop chatter from gamers talking into their headsets, while spectators cheer every move, with some even yelling out instructions from time to time.

After a fierce exchange lasting 40 minutes, one team emerges as champions at this March 18 tournament of the insanely popular League of Legends, a multiplayer online battle game that has acquired a worldwide following and continues to attract at least 100 million players globally every month.