The vibrant city of Shanghai has once again become the epicenter of competitive gaming as the Shanghai E-Sports Masters gets underway at the Jing’an Sports Center. From Wednesday to Sunday, nearly 100 elite players from around the globe are battling it out in four electrifying events: Honor of Kings, Valorant, Street Fighter 6, and Naraka: Bladepoint.
The opening ceremony was a spectacle of esports culture and cutting-edge technology. In a symbolic gesture, officials from the Shanghai municipal government, Jing’an District, and the city’s Esports Association inserted electronic cards into a slot to kick off the proceedings, igniting excitement among fans and participants alike.
The five-day tournament promises intense competition as champions will be crowned in each of the featured games. The action began with Honor of Kings, where eight formidable teams clashed for a spot in Thursday’s semifinals.
Luo Siyuan, known to fans as Huahai, who made history by winning the first esports gold medal for China at last year’s Hangzhou Asian Games, graced the event as the player representative for Honor of Kings. “I think it is a great honor to represent Honor of Kings and attend the opening ceremony,” said Luo. “Compared to the league, the Masters schedule is more compact, allowing for more interaction with fans. Personally, I will try my best in the competition and hope to have another chance to fight for our country.”
In a surprising turn, Luo’s team, Wuhan eStarPro, was edged out by Xi’an WE, who advanced to face Nanjing Hero Jiujing in the semifinals. The other semifinal matchup will see Hangzhou LGD.NBW take on Jinan Rogue Warriors, setting the stage for thrilling showdowns.
As the Shanghai E-Sports Masters continues, fans around the world are eagerly tuning in to witness top-tier gameplay and cheer on their favorite teams. With its dynamic blend of technology and entertainment, the event showcases Shanghai’s growing influence in the global esports arena.
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Shanghai E-Sports Masters underway with contests in four games
cgtn.com
