China To Build World Leading eSports Venue

eSports could in the next couple of years see Shanghai as the worlds capital for the growing sport. China is to spend more than $900 million to build and develop the Shanghai International New Cultural and Creative E-sports Center.

It is scheduled for completion in early 2023 and local officials have already said that they want it to be “a pilgrimage site for eSports enthusiasts from all over the world.”

When completed it will span some 500,000 square metres and have a 6,000-seater capacity along with boasting a five-star eSports themed hotel for visitors and a museum devoted to all things eSports.

Shanghai has already hosted the League of Legends world championships, which is regarded as the one of the most prestigious events in eSports back in September/October in 2019 and seems to want to push the professional sport now even further. It is reported that some 720 million Chinese are gamers and it is clear the Chinese government want to tap into that ever growing market further.