On May 4, 2025, the world of esports witnessed an electrifying showdown in Guangzhou City, southern China. The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) championship, organized by MOONTON Games, not only showcased top-tier international competition but also symbolized the growing cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC).
After four days of intense battles, China’s team “DFYG” faced off against “Team Spirit” from Eastern Europe and Central Asia in the grand finals. Demonstrating exceptional skill and strategy, Team Spirit secured a sweeping victory, winning four consecutive games to claim the championship trophy. This exhilarating match captivated audiences worldwide and served as a bridge, fostering friendly exchanges between gamers from China and the CEEC region through the unifying power of esports.
“The success of this competition has injected new vitality into the development of China’s esports industry and marks an important step for Chinese esports to connect with the world,” said Chu Tong, head of MOONTON China Esports. “This event allows Chinese esports culture to shine even brighter on the world stage. It promotes the steady development of China’s self-developed esports products in the global market and fosters deep exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese esports industry and the international market. Ultimately, it helps build a more prosperous global esports ecosystem.”
In recent years, China’s esports industry has accelerated its internationalization, strongly supported by policy. On August 3, 2024, a guiding document issued by China’s State Council explicitly proposed to support the development of esports and related areas, signifying official recognition and providing a solid policy foundation for growth. With this backing, cities like Shanghai, Chengdu, and Shenzhen have begun building esports platforms, cultivating talent, and hosting events.
Many countries in the Central and Eastern European region also boast thriving esports cultures. Top players from Eastern Europe have often competed alongside Chinese players on the international stage in popular games such as Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota 2, MLBB, and Honor of Kings.
From May 22 to 25, the 4th China-CEEC Expo will be held in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, under the theme “New Visions for the Future.” With Slovakia and Slovenia serving as dual guests of honor, the expo will spotlight technological frontiers and industrial innovation, aiming to create a new model for cross-regional collaborative development. This event may also serve as a platform to showcase cross-border esports collaboration and industry dialogue, further strengthening economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between China and the CEEC.
