Work Begins on $898 Million Shanghai Esports Center

Shanghai has become one of the leading cities in the world when it comes to Esports. However, China’s largest city is looking to become a hub for the industry by building a brand new Esports Center. Work has recently begun on the Shanghai International New Cultural and Creative Esports Center, which will cost an esimated $898 million (¥5.8 billion) to complete.

What the Shanghai Esports Center Will Look Like

The new venue will be constructed on a plot spanning some 500,000 square meters, with many Esports organizations and companies to operate from there. The Creative Esports Center will also come with its own hotel, where both visiting teams and fans can stay. Excitement is already building within China, despite the venue not due to be opening until some time in 2024.

Shanghai recently hosted the League of Legends World Championships, with the city clearly looking to become a major force in global Esports. If renderings of the Shanghai International New Cultural and Creative Esports Center are anything to go by, teams and supporters could be returning to China on a regular basis in order to compete for the industries biggest trophies.

Why China is One of the World’s Leading Esports Nations

Esports followers have long complained that venues staging majors were not big enough. However, this is unlikely to be a complaint labelled at Shanghai, who are making the early running to become a major stakeholder in this area. Recent research suggests that the Esports industry generated over $1 billion last year, with China having been the biggest market across the globe. Meanwhile, it is also understood that some 70% of gamers in China play Esports titles. It therefore should come as little surprise that Shanghai is to be home to one of the world’s top dedicated Esports venues.

It is not yet known just how many supporters will be able to fit inside the Creative Esports Center, however it is likely that many Esports supporters are already saving up to book flights to see their favourite players in action in Shanghai.