The 2024 King Pro League (KPL) Grand Finals electrified Beijing Workers’ Stadium on Saturday evening, as Chengdu AG Super Play clinched their fourth championship title before a roaring crowd of over 30,000 esports enthusiasts. The monumental event marked Beijing’s return to hosting premier esports competitions since the 2020 Honor of Kings World Champion Cup, setting new records for venue size, audience capacity, and stage design in KPL history.
The tournament journey was a saga of resilience and strategy, unfolding across multiple cities. Starting with single eliminations, breakout matches, and knockout rounds in Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Changsha, the competition culminated in a thrilling face-off in the capital city. Chengdu AG Super Play, overcoming an early setback against Beijing WB in the qualifiers, showcased unwavering determination. They advanced through the knockout stages by defeating formidable opponents Wuhan eStarPro and Suzhou KSG, earning their place in the Grand Finals.
On the other side of the bracket, Chongqing Wolves captivated fans with their remarkable comebacks. Notably, they delivered a stunning “one versus two” victory against Jinan RW Xia and Wuhan eStarPro, highlighting the team’s tenacity and skill.
The championship match was a spectacle of high-caliber gameplay and strategic finesse. Chengdu AG Super Play seized the momentum early, securing the first two games in the series. Undeterred, Chongqing Wolves mounted a fierce counterattack in the third and fourth games, with key player Cai Youqi delivering stellar performances that leveled the score.
In the pivotal fifth game, AG Super Play intensified their focus on neutralizing the Wolves’ core player, Li Daheng. Their tactical acumen paid off as they regained the lead. Riding this wave, AG sealed their victory in the sixth game, culminating in a 4-2 series triumph. The arena erupted as team member Xie Chengjun was honored with the Finals Most Valuable Player (FMVP) award, a testament to his exceptional contribution.
The grandeur of the Grand Finals extended beyond the competition itself. The stage at Beijing Workers’ Stadium spanned an impressive 1,500 square meters. A massive 70-meter-wide and 30-meter-high screen, along with a 45-meter-long floor display, created an immersive visual feast for those in attendance, cementing the event’s status as a landmark in esports presentation.
This year’s KPL not only showcased the pinnacle of esports talent but also highlighted the growing significance of competitive gaming in Asia’s cultural and economic landscape. As esports continues to captivate global audiences, events like the KPL Grand Finals reinforce the dynamic role of the industry in shaping the region’s entertainment frontier.
Reference(s):
Chengdu AG Super Play claims 2024 King Pro League championship
cgtn.com