The 2024 King Pro League (KPL) Grand Finals, China's premier Honor of Kings tournament, wrapped up in Beijing on Saturday, captivating over 3,000 passionate fans on site and millions of viewers online.
Esports enthusiasts from across China gathered in Beijing for the finals, where their favorite teams battled for ultimate glory. Chengdu AG Super Play claimed the championship after bouncing back from an early loss to Beijing WB in the qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Chongqing Wolves pulled off thrilling comebacks, including a "one versus two" victory against Jinan RW Xia and Wuhan eStarPro.
"I'm a fan of Chongqing Wolves. I've watched the Wolves' games in Chongqing and Shanghai. This is my first finals," said a esports fan.
Major tournaments like the KPL are not just a spectacle for fans. They're also a driving force behind the surging revenue in esports streaming and ticket sales.
"Our viewership scale this year has grown by more than 20 percent compared to 2023. Ticket sales have also seen an explosive growth. Overall, our views are now comparable to those of many traditional sports," said Huang Cheng, head of the King of Glory Professional League.
Esports has continued its rapid expansion in China. A recent report estimates the sector is expected to grow into an industry of about 30 billion U.S.dollars by the end of this year.
It is also becoming a viable career path for young people in China.
"The booming esports industry has created more job opportunities for young people. It has now become a newly-emerged industry in the sports field,” said Li Daheng, a member of the Chongqing Wolves Esports team.
Xu Bicheng (Yinuo), a member of Chengdu AG, made headlines representing Team China during the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, where Honor of Kings debuted as an official sport.
Esports tournament finals in China attract millions of online viewers
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
