The roar of the crowd, the flashing neon lights, and the intensity of high-stakes competition—this is the heartbeat of the esports scene on the Chinese mainland. In cities like Shanghai, gaming has transcended a mere hobby, evolving into a cultural phenomenon and a powerhouse of economic activity.
The scale of this growth is staggering. In 2025, the Chinese mainland hosted a total of 142 esports events, averaging roughly one event every two and a half days. The demand is so overwhelming that for the vast majority of these competitions, tickets are snapped up within seconds of going on sale, reflecting a level of passion that rivals traditional sports.
But what does it actually cost to be part of this movement? To uncover the financial side of the fandom, CGTN's Hu Binyi immersed themselves in the atmosphere of a major event in Shanghai to investigate how much fans spend and the drivers behind this obsession.
This surge in popularity isn't just about the games. For business professionals and investors, the trend highlights a massive shift in entertainment consumption and the rise of a digital-first economy. For the youth and the broader community, esports represents a new frontier of professional achievement and social connection.
As the industry continues to expand, the Chinese mainland remains at the forefront of global gaming, blending technological innovation with an unprecedented level of fan engagement.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
