China's Gaming and Esports Boom

摘要：XU HUA Shenzhen "Behind me, nearly 10,000 fans are packing this stadium for two days of explosive esports action! The crowd here i

The southern Chinese city of Shenzhen is making waves as a rising global esports hub. This weekend, the 2025 CrossFire IP Carnival and Summer Finals drew massive crowds. Xu Hua has more.

XU HUA Shenzhen "Behind me, nearly 10,000 fans are packing this stadium for two days of explosive esports action! The crowd here is on fire."

The 2025 CrossFire IP Carnival and Summer Finals kicked off on Saturday at Shenzhen Sports Center Stadium, with tickets selling out within just 48 hours, drawing fans from across the country.

YU JINHENG Esports Fan "I came from Shandong Province. This is my first live event, the atmosphere is incredible."

YE ZHIQIANG Esports Fan "I came all the way from Guangzhou. I've known CrossFire since childhood and have followed it for years."

Beyond the arena, the event sparked a citywide gaming fever.

XU HUA Shenzhen "Here at this museum in Shenzhen, gaming history comes alive with hands-on fun! This space transforms 17 years of player memories into real-world experiences. Let's dive in."

Interactive game areas, classic map challenges, and costume characters bring virtual gaming to life - creating fun for all ages.

And it didn't stop there: futuristic game-themed cars, walking robots, drone ticket deliveries, and a spectacular sky show proved how tech and youth culture thrive together in the Greater Bay Area.

LI YIPING Tencent IEG K1 Collaboration Department "We've also integrated the Greater Bay Area's cutting-edge urban landscapes into online game content. These digital recreations of cities, blended with gameplay features, have been a hit with players worldwide."

While Shenzhen aims to become the esports capital, analysts note key challenges.

WANG SHENCHEN Research Associate, China Development Institute "Shenzhen should focus on three priorities: policy support for funding and talent, attracting elite tournaments, and building an 'esports-plus' economy through cross-sector integration."

The climax came with the group draw for the 2025 Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia starting August 19th, where five elite Chinese teams will show their game.

As China's esports and gaming industry grow, its power to transform tech, tourism and entertainment keeps expanding.

Xu Hua, CGTN, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province.