The 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh is set to amplify China's growing influence in global gaming culture, with major titles like Honor of Kings and League of Legends taking center stage. Huang Cheng, head of the King of Glory Professional League (KPL), revealed unprecedented demand for esports experiences: tickets for the KPL Spring 2025 finals sold out in two minutes, with 80% of attendees traveling from other cities.
Young fans are reshaping urban tourism through 'esports pilgrimages' – visiting competition venues, collecting themed merchandise, and exploring host cities. This trend has created a symbiotic relationship between digital culture and local economies, with Huang noting opportunities from the Hangzhou Asian Games to Saudi Arabia's 2027 Esports Olympics.
"Esports isn't just about screens anymore," Huang stated. "It's becoming a bridge for cross-cultural dialogue and a catalyst for integrated tourism development." Industry analysts observe that this fusion of gaming and travel is driving new investment patterns in entertainment infrastructure across Asia.
