A major esports event has been held in Shanghai on Sunday. It comes ahead of the Hangzhou Asian Games later this year when esport medals will not only be awarded but count towards the final medal tally for the first time. Chen Yilin reports. 

After a six-hour battle, a new champion emerges during the 2023 Peace Elite League Summer Finals.

CHEN YILIN Shanghai "It's almost nine PM. And guess what… The venue is still filled with cheering e-sport fans. You can truly feel people's passion for this Games."

Adding to the excitement of the night, the national team of the Asian Games made a video appearance. 

CHEN YILIN Shanghai "These athletes are now training in Hangzhou, for the upcoming Asian Games in September. It will be their first time competing for national glory, as e-sport medals are up for grabs. The fans also have high hopes for these athletes."

WANG SHUYI E-sports Fan "I hope they can unite as one and fight for the best. I really hope they can get the championship."

CHEN CHAO E-sports Fan "I hope they strive for the best. In the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, the Chinese players won the championship of League of Legends. So, I'm also looking forward to the upcoming games in Hangzhou."

It was also an emotional night for the winners.

The player expressed gratitude for being recognized as an esports player.

LUO TAO 2023 PEL Summer Finals Champion "It's not easy to win. The players have undergone long hours of training. But we are proud that esports becomes a medal event in Asian Games. I hope Team China can win. I believe all the efforts will be paid off."

Seven e-sports games will be featured at the upcoming Asian Games. These include the Peace Elite Asian Games Version, which marks its first official public release.

TIGER XU Head of Peace Elite Esports Business "The new version will test the limits of the players and their teamwork. Both fit well with the Olympics spirit. It's not only a game, we also feel responsible to motivate people's passion and spirit. I hope the public and all the players enjoy the games."

Ticket purchasing for e-sports is unique in the Asian Games, as it requires a lottery system to accommodate the high demand from the public.

The highest price reaches up to 1,000 yuan, or nearly 140 US dollars, making it one of the most expensive and sought-after categories during the event.

Chen Yilin, CGTN, Shanghai.