Chongqing—On July 19–20, Chongqing hosted the League of Legends: Wild Rift 3rd Anniversary Celebration and Super League Stage 1 Finals, drawing over 3,500 esports fans from across China. The two-day event showcased the growing appeal of "esports + tourism," turning high-profile tournaments into a new driver of summer travel and urban consumption.

The League of Legends: Wild Rift 3rd Anniversary Celebration and Super League Stage 1 Finals were held in Chongqing on July 19-20. (Photo/The Event Organizer)

A National Gathering for Fans

The event featured intense competition across three tracks: the Solo Tournament, Women’s Finals, and Professional Semifinals and Finals. Players from across the country competed for the championship title, while appearances by popular streamers and celebrities added to the high energy on-site.

According to organizers, the event attracted 3,500 spectators who came to watch the matches and joined surrounding celebration activities.

"Just like music fans follow their favorite artists on tour, we follow esports," said 19-year-old Wu, a Wild Rift enthusiast from Xi'an. "We booked flights as soon as we heard the finals would be held in Chongqing—and on a weekend. We're planning to visit Hongyadong and try the hotpot too."

"Esports + Tourism" Sparks New Urban Energy

As digital entertainment and cultural tourism continue to merge, esports events are emerging as new engines for city branding and youth engagement.

Gan Lin, head of Wild Rift esports at Tencent Interactive Entertainment, said the tournament design aimed to create immersive, interactive experiences that connect players not only to the game but to the city itself. "We want young people to embrace new consumption models through esports, while also getting to know the spirit and landscape of Chongqing."

A veteran from Chongqing's cultural tourism sector suggested that local landmarks and game environments could be creatively integrated to promote the city. "Games are inherently interactive. When blockbuster titles step offline, they generate massive real-world foot traffic. Chongqing should continue leveraging its cyberpunk cityscape and attract more high-profile esports IPs to boost tourism and consumer engagement."

A Growing Industry Backed by Local Support

Chongqing has actively supported the gaming sector in recent years. The city is home to three officially recognized online game publishing units and a full-service ecosystem that supports content review, copyright services, and industry think tanks.

While the city’s esports ecosystem is still developing compared to China’s top-tier hubs, it has carved out its own growth path. With strong policy support, growing developer networks, and a youth-driven digital culture, Chongqing is positioning itself as a rising force in China’s gaming and esports landscape.

(Xie Xinyi, as an intern, also contributed to this article.)