Core Viewpoint - The esports industry is experiencing a resurgence, highlighted by the recent KPL finals where Chengdu AG Super Play won, marking a significant milestone for esports in China as it transitions from niche to mainstream [3][4]. Group 1: KPL Finals and Its Significance - Chengdu AG Super Play defeated Chongqing Wolves 4:2 in the KPL finals, becoming the first Chinese team to win at the National Stadium, known as the "Bird's Nest" [3]. - The event sold out in 12 seconds, with over 62,000 attendees, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest audience at a single esports event [3]. - The KPL is an extension of Tencent's mobile game "Honor of Kings," which boasts a daily active user count of 139 million in China and over 260 million globally [3]. Group 2: Industry Growth and Future Outlook - After a decline in 2022 and 2023, the esports industry in China is back on a growth trajectory, with a reported revenue of 12.76 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 6.1% [4]. - The user base for esports in China has reached approximately 493 million, reflecting a growth of 0.59% [4]. - Industry leaders anticipate more international events and a diversification of content beyond traditional esports, indicating a robust future for the sector [5]. Group 3: Market Projections - The Chinese esports market is projected to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2026, with surrounding industries expected to surpass 1 trillion yuan, positioning esports as a key growth driver in China's digital economy [5].

Core Insights - Esports is transitioning from a niche market to mainstream recognition, highlighted by the KPL finals held at the National Stadium, where Chengdu AG Super Play defeated Chongqing Wolves, marking a significant milestone for Chinese esports [1][4] Industry Overview - The KPL finals achieved record-breaking attendance with over 62,000 spectators, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest audience at a single esports event [5] - The mobile game "Honor of Kings," under Tencent, has a daily active user base of 139 million in China and over 260 million globally, maintaining its position as the top-grossing mobile game from 2022 to 2024 [5] - The esports industry in China is recovering from a downturn in 2022-2023, with a reported revenue of 12.76 billion yuan in the first half of 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 6.1% [5] - The user base for esports in China is nearing 493 million, with a slight increase of 0.59% year-on-year [5] Future Projections - The esports sector is expected to see more international events in the next two years, with a focus on diversifying content beyond traditional competitions [5] - The Chinese esports market is projected to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2026, contributing to a surrounding industry scale of over 1 trillion yuan, positioning it as a key growth driver in China's digital economy [7]