In an exclusive interview, we spoke with experts about the recent developments in the esports landscape in Zhejiang Province.

Last year, at the Hangzhou Asian Games, the Chinese national esports team made history by winning four gold and one bronze medal. To commemorate the one-year anniversary of this achievement, the first-ever Zhejiang Provincial Esports Competition (ZET) is taking place in Yiwu from October 13 to 15. Notably, this event marks the debut of various key initiatives, including the “Regulations for Rating Amateur Esports Athletes in Zhejiang Province.”

The inaugural competition is guided by the Zhejiang Provincial Sports Bureau and co-hosted by the Zhejiang Esports Association and the Yiwu Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism, and Sports, with organizational support from the Yiwu Transportation and Tourism Industry Development Group Co., Ltd. The event, themed “Smart Zhejiang, Competitive Yiwu,” showcases the deep integration of esports with local culture and tourism.

Spanning three days and featuring a total prize pool of over 110,000 yuan, the competition has attracted gaming enthusiasts from across the province. Following a rigorous selection process, the finalists will compete in an offline championship. According to a representative from the Zhejiang Esports Association, this competition is unique as it introduces city representative teams, similar to traditional sports events. This format not only elevates the level of amateur esports in Zhejiang but also fosters a sense of belonging and honor among participants.

Additionally, on the opening day, several landmark documents were introduced, including the “2024 Zhejiang Esports Industry Development Trends Report,” the aforementioned rating regulations, and the “Zhejiang Esports Referee Management Measures.”

The report highlights that by 2023, the total output value of the esports industry in Zhejiang has exceeded 30 billion yuan, positioning the province among the leaders in the country. The new regulations on amateur athlete ratings and referee management are set to play a significant role in governing and developing the local esports workforce, contributing to the ongoing growth of this sector in the wake of the Hangzhou Asian Games.

Esports represents a new industrial model that combines digital technology, competitive sports, and cultural entertainment. Its interactive, engaging, and entertaining nature has cultivated a massive market and economic potential. As technology and market dynamics evolve, the esports industry is further integrating with emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and cultural creativity, continuously expanding its influence.

Following the inclusion of esports in the 2023 Asian Games, international events like the Olympic Esports Championship and the Qatar Esports World Cup have followed suit, heralding a new era for esports on a global scale. In this context, this competition serves not just as a platform for gaming but as a melting pot of culture, tourism, and sports. It also forms a key component of the 2024 Yiwu Culture and Tourism Product Trade Expo.

Yiwu has a longstanding history of hosting esports events, including the Yiwu International Esports Competition and Digital Entertainment Carnival, which have contributed to a rich legacy and ample experience in the industry. With the Zhejiang Provincial Esports Competition taking center stage in Yiwu, the city aims to further implement the “strong sports nation” development strategy and accelerate the exploration of new industries and pathways, merging “digital + sports” and “digital + cultural tourism” to empower the entire industry chain.