VSPO to Host its Esports Asian Champions League in China

Key insights

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New League

VSPO will host the Esports Asian Champions League (ACL) in China in 2025.

Chinese esports operator VSPO announced its plans for the new league at a press conference in Shanghai. The ACL aims to expand VSPO's operational footprint in the Asian competitive gaming market.

Publisher Engagement

Key stakeholders were absent from the ACL announcement press conference.

Riot Games, TJ Sports, and Krafton were notably absent from the Shanghai press conference. Future formal approvals are necessary to secure the participation of these essential industry stakeholders.

Like planning a major concert without confirming the headliners, securing publisher buy-in is crucial for the league's success.

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Summary

Chinese esports operator VSPO has announced plans to host the Esports Asian Champions League (ACL) in China in 2025. The initiative, unveiled at a press conference in Shanghai, involves the establishment of an ACL Foundation to manage the tournament, mirroring the structure of the Esports World Cup (EWC). VSPO co-founder Wang Xinyi will serve as the league’s CEO, while Xie Fan will act as president. HRH Prince Faisal, a prominent figure in the global esports federation landscape, has been named honorary president, signaling a strategic alignment between the new league and the EWC.

While specific details regarding the tournament remain limited, the event is expected to feature between seven and 10 esports titles. Promotional materials and interviews at the announcement suggest that popular games such as League of Legends, PUBG, and Street Fighter VI are likely to be included. The league is positioned as a potential regional qualifier for the EWC, reflecting ongoing discussions between VSPO and EWC organizers regarding game selection and qualification pathways.

The announcement underscores the deepening ties between VSPO and international stakeholders, particularly following a significant $265 million investment from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in 2023. Although the league aims to feature major titles, the absence of key publishers—such as Riot Games, Krafton, and Tencent—at the initial press conference highlights the necessity for future formal approvals to secure the participation of these essential industry stakeholders. The project represents a significant expansion of VSPO’s operational footprint within the Asian competitive gaming market.