In the early 2000s, when competitive gaming was dismissed as a niche hobby, Li Xiaofeng – known globally as Sky – became China’s first esports world champion. His back-to-back victories at the World Cyber Games (WCG) in 2005 and 2006 marked a turning point for a nation now dominating the $1.8 billion global esports industry.
"Just getting to play professionally felt like a victory," Sky told CGTN, recalling an era of sparse resources and societal skepticism. His journey from teenage gamer to national icon mirrors China’s own transformation into an esports powerhouse, fueled by grassroots passion and strategic investments.
When Sky began competing, players faced unstable salaries and limited training infrastructure. Today, China hosts 45% of the world’s esports revenue, with state-recognized athlete certifications and university degree programs. The industry’s growth – from underground cafes to sold-out stadiums – reflects broader shifts in technology acceptance and youth culture.
Now a coach and gaming executive, Sky emphasizes the importance of infrastructure: "We’re building systems so future players can focus purely on excellence." His story underscores how China turned early skepticism into global leadership, with esports now included in Asian Games medal events.
As Chinese teams dominate tournaments like League of Legends and Dota 2, Sky’s legacy endures – a testament to perseverance in an industry that now employs over 500,000 professionals across the Chinese mainland.
