The Chongqing Wolves celebrate with their professional league trophy. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)
Chongqing - Since returning to their Bishan home base in December 2023, the professional esports team Chongqing Wolves has drawn 200,000 spectators and created an economic impact of 50 million yuan (about 6.9 million U.S. dollars). In just over a year, they have clinched six championships and hosted more than 130 tournaments, cementing Chongqing’s rising status as a powerhouse in China’s esports industry.
The Chongqing Wolves, a professional esports team under Fuxing Sports, are currently based at the Bishan Cultural and Art Center, their temporary home before moving to a new 6,000-square-meter arena.
Each match day attracts young fans from across the country, who fill the venue with glow sticks, cheers, and excitement as giant LED screens showcase the King of Glory Professional League, China’s top esports competition for the hit mobile game Honor of Kings. The scene brings a level of energy rarely seen at a district venue in Chongqing.
Chongqing Wolves have secured six total championships since returning to Chongqing. Honor of Kings remains their flagship project and "trump card." The club won the international Challenger Cup and Professional League Spring Championship after settling in Chongqing, becoming a 10-time Honor of Kings champion and the only "Grand Slam" club in the league.
In QQ Speed, the team has shown equally impressive performance. Chongqing Wolves claimed the S League Spring Team Props Race Championship and Asian Cup championship, earning 11-time champion status in this project. The series of victories showcases the team's comprehensive strength across multiple esports disciplines.
The team made history in Call of Duty, winning China's first world championship at the global league championship held in the United States. This breakthrough refreshed China's historical best. Subsequently, the club also secured a Call of Duty Mobile Masters championship.
"When the Wolves win championships at major tournaments, the name 'Chongqing' resonates throughout venues and spreads through the internet to millions of households," said team officials.
Gaming generates economic and cultural impact
Since February 2024, Bishan Cultural and Arts Center has become a hotspot for esports events, hosting 46 Honor of Kings King Pro League spring and summer season games alone. This figure leads among cities nationwide. The team's powerful appeal has in turn attracted heavyweight tournaments of games including the Honor of Kings, DOTA, QQ Speed, among others.
Tournament demographics reveal strong audience engagement: average age of 25 years, 95% female viewers, and 60% traveling from outside regions specifically to attend matches in Chongqing. These events have driven consumption of 50 million yuan this year alone across the surrounding dining, accommodation, tourism, and transportation sectors.
Digital engagement demonstrates massive reach and promotional value. The Honor of Kings Challenger Cup generated 810 million Weibo topic views, 730 million Douyin plays, and 8.01 million Xiaohongshu views, creating tremendous value for Chongqing's city image promotion.
The cultural impact accelerates alongside economic effects. As an emerging cultural and sports project, Chongqing Wolves' use of Bishan as their home venue gradually creates a "label" for Chongqing in the esports field. This promotes esports industry clustering in Bishan.
The upcoming 6,000-square-meter arena will be Southwest China’s most advanced esports venue, built to national Class A professional standards with top-tier equipment. It will host more matches, stage over 60 music performances each year, and bring in global tournaments from publishers such as Tencent and NetEase.