In early November, Beijing's iconic National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, roared with energy as 62,196 fans packed the stands for the 2025 Honor of Kings KPL Grand Final. This record-breaking turnout marked the highest attendance ever for a single esports competition in the Chinese mainland.
Among the VIPs cheering on the action was Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation. In a conversation with CGTN Sports Scene's Greg Laffradi, the Saudi esports chief lauded the rapid growth of the Chinese mainland's esports ecosystem. "What you see here is more than a game," he said. "It's a cultural movement that brings communities together across the world."
For many fans and officials, the November final at the Bird's Nest was more than a match—it was a showcase of how esports has matured into a global phenomenon. Operators are transforming historic venues into digital arenas, while players and spectators forge communities across continents.
Reflecting on this evolution, Prince Faisal noted that "the energy here proves gaming's power to unite. We hope to carry this momentum into our own efforts back home." His words underline a shared vision: leveraging esports to connect cultures, drive innovation, and engage the next generation.
As the curtain falls on a record-breaking KPL Grand Final, the event stands as a milestone in 2025's esports calendar. From Beijing to beyond, the game's rise shows no signs of slowing, and young global fans are set to follow every level-up in this fast-growing arena.
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Saudi esports chief Prince Faisal lauds China's rapid rise in esports
cgtn.com
