China Media Group, the Esports World Cup Foundation, and tournament organizer VSPO have formed a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the esports landscape. This collaboration was announced alongside the unveiling of the National Institute for Esports Development in Beijing, which will work with the two organizations to co-host and participate in upcoming esports events. The institute's mission is to strengthen China's esports industry, foster collaboration within the sector, promote international engagement, and enhance cultural communication efforts.
The launch event was attended by notable government officials, including Shen Haixiong, President of China Media Group and Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China, along with Sun Shuo, CPC Secretary of Xicheng District. This partnership not only marks a significant step for the involved parties but also highlights the growing recognition of esports within China's broader cultural and economic framework.
This isn't the first collaboration between VSPO and the Esports World Cup Foundation; they previously teamed up for the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Both organizations are supported by Saudi investments, with VSPO receiving a substantial $265 million investment from Savvy Games Group, while the EWC Foundation enjoys backing from the Saudi government. This partnership aligns with recent developments, as the International Olympic Committee also announced its collaboration with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025.
Dino Ying, Chairman of VSPO, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “It’s a huge honor to be a strategic partner with the Chinese Media Group and the Esports World Cup Foundation.” He noted that the establishment of the National Institute for Esports Development signifies Beijing's commitment to fostering esports.
With a prize pool of $60 million across 22 tournaments over two months, the Esports World Cup is set to be a major event, although it has faced criticism from parts of the esports community due to concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record. Founded in 2016, VSPO is Asia's largest esports operator, with a global footprint that includes 14 offices and a portfolio of competitions in popular titles like Honor of Kings and PUBG Mobile.
ADD A COMMENT :