A new eSports venue, Sunland Arena, opened in Waigaoqiao, Pudong New Area, on November 26, the latest effort made by the area to become the eSports capital of China and lead the development of the industry.
Also on the day, the finals of the 2021 Waigaoqiao eSports Competition was hosted at Sunland Arena, which covers an area of 3,283 square meters that can accommodate about 1,000 spectators. The finals drew a large number of e-Sports fans.
Wang Haisong, general manager of the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Business Operation Center, said, “The biggest advantage of Sunland is its strength in resources allocation and supporting facilities. We will introduce more eSports enterprises, agencies and livestreaming companies.”
China’s eSports market reached 150 billion yuan (US$23.55 billion) in 2020, according to a report by iResearch Consulting Group. More than 40 percent eSports games in China are held in Shanghai and more than half of the country’s top 20 eSports clubs are based in the city.
Pudong has been active in hosting world-level eSports games and innovating policies to accelerate the development of the industry. So far the area has a comprehensive industry chain, including hosting games, venues and incubation bases.
