Shanghai registers first batch of eSports athletes
Guan Zhendong (second left) and his club teammates pose with retired national team diver from Shanghai Wu Minxia (left) after she awarded them the eSports athlete certificates.
Eighty-five top video-game players received their "identity certificates" in Shanghai this week as they registered as professional eSports athletes.
The certificates were issued by the Shanghai Electronic Sports Association. It's the first time Shanghai has registered eSports athletes, who will be able to represent Shanghai and China at national and international pro-gaming competitions.
Shanghai plans to become the national eSports center. Apart from increasing the number of venues and facilities, some local districts have unveiled preferential policies for eSports developers and companies, covering office space, operational costs and talent introduction. Some universities and colleges have even launched eSports-related majors.
The first batch of athletes are top players in the seven eSports genres: Dota 2, Hearth Stone, Warcraft III, League of Legends, Clash Royale, FIFA Online 4 and Glory of the King. They are all over 18 years old, and are contracted players of eSports clubs.
According to the association, the athlete certificate will provide the players with convenience when they apply for visas for overseas eSports competitions. The association also promises to coordinate its resources to support the athletes in their career as well as daily life.
Guan Zhendong, 22, was among the 85 athletes; he specializes in Hearth Stone. Guan used to be a chess player, winning multiple awards at youth-level competitions.
"I am inclined to thinking and solving problems. I have liked playing chess and card games since childhood, which helped me to do well in Hearth Stone," Guan told Shanghai Daily.
"When my chess mate recommended the game to me five years ago, I found that it suits my thinking mode well," he added. "The game is modern and interesting while maintaining the competitiveness of traditional sports."
Guan is currently a media major senior (4th grade) student at a Shanghai university and spends nearly 10 hours every day practicing or working with teammates and coaches at his eSports club.
"The certificate gives me a sense of mission as I will be officially representing China in international competitions," he said, with pride.
"Apart from being an athlete, I am also willing to seek other development avenues in areas like eSports commentary or operation," Guan added.
