HERO Esports ACL 2025 Grand Finals: Shanghai

Shanghai Set to Electrify Asia as Esports Capital with HERO ESPORTS ACL Grand Finals

Shanghai is ready to solidify its claim as Asia’s premier esports destination, hosting the HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League (ACL) Grand Finals 2025. Transforming the city into the epicenter of competitive gaming, the event, scheduled for May 16-18, promises to not only showcase top-tier esports talent but also offer a glimpse into the future of the industry. with tickets now on sale and key partners announced, anticipation is building for what could be a pivotal moment for esports in Asia.

A $2 Million Prize Pool and Global Esports Glory Await

The ACL Grand Finals 2025 will feature nine elite esports titles, including Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), DOTA 2, Honor of Kings, Street Fighter 6, League of Legends Legend Cup, Teamfight Tactics, VALORANT Champions Tour, Delta Force, and CrossFire. Teams will compete for a staggering $2 million (RMB 15 million) prize pool, as well as direct qualification slots for the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), offering an unparalleled opportunity to represent Asia on the global stage.

The promise of significant financial rewards, coupled with the chance to participate in the EWC, elevates the stakes and ensures maximum competitive intensity, as explained by industry analyst, Jiang wei, “This event is more then just a tournament; it’s a gateway to global recognition and financial stability for Asian esports teams.”

Strategic Partnerships Powering Esports Innovation

The success of the ACL Grand Finals hinges on robust partnerships with industry leaders. Key collaborators include:

• Chief Partners: HERO ESPORTS × 5EPlay
• Strategic Partners: Esports World Cup, Jin jiang International, Shanghai JUSS Sports Management Co., Ltd.
• Special Partners: Savage Impact, eastroc Vitamin Energy drink, HONOR, TGIF, OBSBOT, POPEYES, Tongcheng Travel, CLEAR (for ACL × Honor of Kings)

These partnerships not only provide financial backing but also ensure logistical support, technological innovation, and enhanced fan experiences. For example, HONOR’s involvement enhances the technical infrastructure, while Tongcheng Travel facilitates travel and accommodation for attendees, demonstrating a holistic approach to event management.

Pro Tip: When attending large esports events, plan your travel and accommodation well in advance. utilize partner discounts to save money and enhance your overall experience.

Diverse Broadcasting Partnerships Extend global Reach

Ensuring widespread visibility, the ACL Grand finals 2025 has secured broadcasting partnerships with leading platforms:

• China: Kuaishou, Douyin, Huya, Douyu, bilibili, Weibo, and Hupu
• Global: Twitch, TikTok, YouTube, CHZZK, and SOOP

By leveraging both domestic and international streaming services, the event aims to captivate a global audience, fostering a sense of community and excitement around Asian esports. The use of platforms like TikTok and YouTube highlights a strategic move towards engaging younger demographics, broadening the appeal of esports.

Event Schedule: A three-Day Esports Extravaganza

The ACL Grand Finals 2025 will be held across three premier venues:

• SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center: May 16-18
• Jing’an Sports Center: May 16-18
• National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC): May 16-18

Each venue will host specific tournaments and events, catering to diverse esports audiences. Highlights include the CS2 Third-Place Match and grand Finals, the Huya LoL Legend Cup Finals, and the Honor of Kings Grand Finals, all at the SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center. The Jing’an Sports Center will feature intense CrossFire and VALORANT Champions tour matches,while the NECC will host DOTA 2,street Fighter 6,Delta Force,and TFT tournaments,alongside the DreamHack Festival.

did You Know? The esports market in Asia-Pacific is projected to reach $690.8 million in revenue by 2025, driven by rising internet penetration and increasing interest in competitive gaming, according to recent market analysis by Newzoo.

DreamHack Festival: An Immersive Gaming Experience

The inclusion of the DreamHack Festival at the national Exhibition and Convention Center adds another layer of excitement to the ACL Grand Finals.This festival offers a fully immersive gaming experience, featuring interactive exhibits, cosplay contests, and opportunities to engage with industry professionals.

Access to the DreamHack Esports Stage requires a dedicated ticket, providing full-day access and early entry, while general tickets grant entry to the venue, excluding DreamHack areas. This tiered ticketing system allows fans to customize their experience based on their interests and budget.

ACL Grand Finals Night at INS Park: Blending Esports and Entertainment

Extending beyond the traditional esports arena, the ACL Grand Finals Night at Shanghai’s INS Park from May 16-18 will fuse esports with entertainment and nightlife. This event aims to create a vibrant atmosphere where fans can celebrate their passion for gaming in a dynamic and engaging habitat.

By integrating esports into Shanghai’s nightlife scene, the ACL aims to attract a broader audience and enhance the cultural impact of competitive gaming.This innovative approach reflects a growing trend of blending esports with mainstream entertainment, appealing to both hardcore fans and casual observers.

The Future of Asian Esports: Setting a New Benchmark

The ACL aspires to set Asia’s competitive benchmark, fueling the global esports ecosystem through elite tournaments, cross-industry innovation, and fan immersion. This landmark event will not only accelerate China’s esports growth but also cement Shanghai’s status as the “Global Esports capital,” amplifying its cultural influence worldwide.

With its complete approach to event management, strategic partnerships, and innovative fan engagement strategies, the HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League Grand Finals 2025 promises to be a transformative event for esports in Asia. It’s a testament to the region’s growing influence on the global stage and a glimpse into the exciting future of competitive gaming.

What are your predictions for the future of esports in Asia? How do you think events like the ACL Grand Finals will impact the global gaming landscape?

Event Venues and Key Highlights

Venue	Dates	key Highlights
SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center	May 16-18	CS2 third-Place Match & Grand Finals, Huya LoL Legend Cup Finals, Honor of Kings Grand Finals
Jing’an Sports Center	May 16-18	CrossFire Quarterfinals, semifinals & Grand Finals, VALORANT Champions Tour Exhibition & Grand Finals
National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC)	May 16-18	DOTA 2, Street Fighter 6, Delta Force, and TFT tournaments, DreamHack Festival

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

What esports titles will be featured at the ACL Grand Finals 2025?

The event will showcase nine esports titles, including Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), DOTA 2, Honor of Kings, Street Fighter 6, League of Legends Legend Cup, Teamfight Tactics, VALORANT Champions Tour, Delta Force, and CrossFire.

Where can I purchase tickets for the ACL Grand finals 2025?

Tickets are available for purchase via official platforms Damai, Maoyan, Alipay, and Hopegoo.

What is the prize pool for the ACL Grand Finals 2025?

The event boasts a staggering $2 million (RMB 15 million) prize pool.

Will the ACL Grand Finals offer qualification slots for the Esports World Cup (EWC)?

Yes, the event offers direct qualification slots for the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), empowering Asian teams to compete on the world stage.

Where can I watch the ACL Grand Finals 2025 online?

The event will be broadcast live on ACL’s official Twitch, YouTube, and tiktok channels.

Considering the overall success of the HERO ESPORTS asian Champions league (ACL) Grand Finals 2025, what specific community-building initiatives beyond the event itself are planned to ensure long-term engagement and loyalty from attendees?

Shanghai Set to Ignite Esports: A Conversation wiht Anya Chen, Lead Event Strategist for HERO ESPORTS

Archyde News: Welcome, Anya.it’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss the upcoming HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League (ACL) Grand Finals 2025 in Shanghai. This event promises to be monumental for Asian esports. Can you give us a general overview of what attendees can expect?

Anya Chen: Thank you for having me. We are incredibly excited about the ACL Grand Finals 2025. Attendees can anticipate a three-day esports extravaganza from May 16-18, featuring nine of the world’s most popular esports titles across three iconic venues: the SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center, Jing’an Sports Center, and the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC).The event will be a blend of high-stakes competition, immersive experiences like the DreamHack festival, and vibrant entertainment, all designed to showcase the best of Asian esports.

A Deep Dive into the Games and Venues

Archyde News: The line-up of titles is incredibly diverse, spanning multiple genres. Could you elaborate on the significance of including games like Counter-strike 2 (CS2), DOTA 2, Honour of Kings, and the others in the tournament rotation?

Anya Chen: absolutely. Our selection reflects the broad appeal of esports across Asia. CS2 and DOTA 2 represent the strategic, team-based elements, while Honor of Kings (King of Glory) showcases the popularity of mobile esports in Asia. Inclusion of titles such as Street Fighter 6, League of Legends Legend Cup, Teamfight Tactics, VALORANT Champions Tour, Delta Force and Crossfire caters to a wide audience. We want to highlight the skill and diversity within the competitive gaming scene, ensuring there’s something for every type of esports fan.

Archyde News: You’re utilizing multiple venues. Can you share what fans can expect at each location?

Anya Chen: Certainly! The SPD bank Oriental Sports Center is the heart of the action, hosting the CS2 Grand Finals, the Huya LoL legend Cup Finals, and the honor of Kings Grand Finals. Intense action will be at the Jing’an Sports center with CrossFire and VALORANT Champions Tour matches. The NECC will be the venue for DOTA 2, Street Fighter 6, Delta Force, and TFT tournaments, alongside the captivating DreamHack Festival, which will provide a deeper experience into the gaming universe.

Partnerships and the Future of Esports

Archyde News: Partnerships are vital to the success of any major event. Can you discuss the role of strategic collaborators like HONOR and Tongcheng Travel?

Anya Chen: Our partnerships are fundamental. HONOR’s involvement enhances the technical infrastructure and live experience. Tongcheng Travel makes it easier for fans to join from all over the region. each partner adds a crucial piece.these collaborations let us provide more than just a tournament; they give fans an immersive, all-around experience that they will never forget.

Archyde News: A $2 million prize pool and qualification slots for the Esports World Cup are significant. How do these incentives drive competition and elevate the profile of Asian teams on the global stage?

Anya Chen: The prize pool and the chance to compete in the EWC are magnets for talent. It serves the role of the greatest platform for Asian teams by pushing them to train at the highest level.This enables them to grow their reputations and attract future sponsorships. the EWC slots give them a spot on the world stage, thereby elevating the whole esports scene in Asia.

Expanding the Horizon: Beyond the Arena

archyde News: The ACL Grand Finals night at INS Park sounds fascinating. how does this integration of esports with entertainment and nightlife enhance the event’s appeal?

Anya Chen: Its all about accessibility and widening the audience. By blending esports with nightlife, we’re making the event more enticing to a wider demographic of people. The event promotes a cultural immersion wherein people may share their love of gaming with music, entertainment and nightlife. It’s an opportunity to showcase gaming as culture, not just competition.

archyde News: The DreamHack festival seems like a great addition. How does it enhance the overall fan experience?

Anya Chen: It offers total immersion. It provides exhibits, cosplay, and opportunities for fans to interact with industry professionals. DreamHack enhances the full event by providing an all-around experience and a peek into the esports’ inner circles.

Archyde News: What are your predictions for the future of esports in Asia, and how does the ACL Grand Finals contribute to the global gaming landscape?

Anya Chen: I believe that Asia will be a major influence on worldwide esports.We want to demonstrate how crucial Asia is to global esports. The ACL Grand Finals will not only drive the esports evolution but also solidify how Shanghai is considered the global esports capital. We intend to set new standards for esports events around the world by encouraging creativity, teamwork, as well as excitement.

Archyde News: Thank you so much,Anya. This event seems poised to be a landmark moment for esports in Asia. Before we conclude, where can our readers go to secure tickets and learn more?

Anya Chen: tickets are available on Damai, Maoyan, Alipay, and Hopegoo official platforms. For more information, keep an eye on our social media channels—we’ll be updating with schedules, announcements, and behind-the-scenes content!

Archyde News: Excellent! We’ll be sure to share those links. One final, thought-provoking question: In your vision, what crucial element is often overlooked in esports event planning that truly impacts fan engagement and event success?

Anya Chen: The genuine cultivation of community.It’s not just about putting on a show; it’s about nurturing a sense of belonging, making attendees feel they’re part of something larger than themselves, and providing avenues for them to engage with the content and with each other even beyond the event. To grow esports we need a community that cares about the games and about each other.

Archyde News: that’s a great note to end on. Thank you again, Anya, for your time and insights. We look forward to the HERO ESPORTS ACL Grand Finals 2025!