The Shanghai E-Sports Masters has officially kicked off at Jing’an Sports Center, bringing together nearly 100 players from around the globe to compete in four thrilling events: Honor of Kings, Valorant, Street Fighter 6, and Naraka: Bladepoint. The competition runs from Wednesday to Sunday, promising five days of intense gaming action.
The opening ceremony was a spectacle of esports flair and technological innovation. Officials from the Shanghai municipal government and Jing’an District, along with the chairman of the city’s Esports Association, initiated the proceedings by inserting electronic cards into a slot, symbolizing the merger of tradition and modernity.
The first event to take the stage was Honor of Kings, featuring eight teams battling for a spot in Thursday’s semifinals. Notably, Luo Siyuan, also known as Huahai, who made history by winning the first gold medal in esports at last year’s Hangzhou Asian Games on behalf of China, attended the ceremony as the player representative for Honor of Kings.
“I think it is a great honor to be able to represent Honor of Kings and attend the opening ceremony,” said Luo. “Compared to the league, I think the overall schedule for the Masters is more compact, and there will be more interaction with the fans. Personally, I will try my best to participate in the competition, and I also hope to have another chance to fight for our country.”
Despite Luo’s renowned status, his team Wuhan eStarPro was stunned by Xi’an WE, who advanced to the semifinals to face Nanjing Hero Jiujing. The other semifinal matchup will see Hangzhou LGD.NBW take on Jinan Rogue Warriors.
The Shanghai E-Sports Masters not only showcases top-tier talent but also reflects the city’s commitment to becoming a global hub for esports. Fans can expect high-level competition and engaging fan experiences throughout the event.
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Shanghai E-Sports Masters underway with contests in four games
cgtn.com
