The 2024 Shanghai Esports Masters (SEM) successfully concluded at the Jing'an Sports Center in Shanghai Municipality on December 8. Over the five-day event, approximately 100 players from around the world competed in four thrilling esports disciplines.
Since its inception in 2019, SEM has mirrored the evolving landscape of the esports audience. The tournament has transitioned from being exclusively professional events hosted by game manufacturers to inclusive national competitions open to the general public.
Esports enthusiast Zhou Beiqing shared with CGTN Sports Scene's Liu Jiaqi, \"The fact that more and more people like esports shows that esports are also gaining recognition from society and public opinion. As an esports enthusiast, I feel that I have chosen the right hobby.\"
This year saw an impressive lineup of top-tier players, including Luo Siyuan, the Arena of Valor gold medalist from Hangzhou Asian Games, and Valorant star Liang Youhao. Luo expressed his pride, saying, \"I think it is a great honor to be able to represent Honor of Kings and attend the Opening Ceremony. I will try my best to participate in the competition, and I also hope to have another chance to fight for our country.\"
Liang Youhao added, \"I hope that the future of esports will be prosperous. Because I feel different enthusiasm and passion in it, which makes me feel there is a different atmosphere.\"
After years of dedication, SEM has established itself as a benchmark for third-party esports events. Zhu Qinqin, the tournament's secretary-general, emphasized the event's mission to broaden the understanding and enjoyment of esports. \"In the future, the esports audience will definitely not be limited to the audience of game manufacturers. We want more people to understand esports, know esports, and watch esports, just like today we see that many departments in Shanghai, including many leaders, are involved. In this regard, we must expand the influence and popularity of esports through third-party events,\" she stated.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
