HANGZHOU: Esports tickets costing up to US$137 (RM641) are like gold dust at the Asian Games with desperate fans signing up multiple times through a lottery system in hope of seeing their gaming heroes live.
For the unlucky ones, they have instead waited outside the gates of the futuristic-looking Hangzhou Esports Center, craning their necks to look inside the official Games buses passing through.
Esports is making its debut as a medal event in the Chinese city, seen as a major step towards the Olympics one day, with renowned gamer such as South Korea’s Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok in action.
Medals are up for grabs in seven gaming titles, including Arena of Valor, League of Legends, and EA Sports FC Online.
Underlining just how popular it is, esports is the only competition at the Games where tickets were allocated through an initial online lottery, before being opened up last week for direct purchase.
Tickets run up to 1,000 yuan (US$137), making esports one of the most expensive events to watch at the Asian Games.
“Getting tickets for this eSports competition was quite intense,” said Xu Kezhen, a 20-year-old fan at the swish venue.
“I had to try five or six times before finally getting one. Everyone wants to come and support the Chinese team and their favorite players, so there is a rush to grab the tickets and show their support.”
The hassle and expense did not deter Zhao Xiaohan, who signed up for all possible lotteries before eventually winning a prized spot.
“It felt like quite a challenge to secure the ticket and luck played a role as well,” Zhao, 23, said.
Another lucky spectator, Jiang Xinyou, 29, said: “I really wanted to see the Chinese team play but I wasn’t able to get tickets for those matches.”
Those who made it inside the 4,500-capacity arena waved lightsticks and cheered as two-dimensional “heroes” fought onscreen, controlled by athletes furiously swiping on their phone screens.
Games organizers, who have not said how many tickets they are releasing in total, require spectators to register their identification documents when buying tickets and show them when entering the venue in an effort to prevent scalping. – AFP
Esports tickets at the Asian Games are in high demand, with some fans desperate to see their gaming heroes live. Tickets can cost up to US$137 (RM641), and fans have been signing up multiple times through a lottery system in hopes of securing a spot. For those who were not lucky enough to win the lottery, they have resorted to waiting outside the Hangzhou Esports Center, hoping to catch a glimpse of the official Games buses passing by.
Esports is making its debut as a medal event in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, and it is seen as a major step towards potentially being included in the Olympics in the future. Renowned gamers like South Korea’s Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok are participating in the event. Medals will be awarded in seven gaming titles, including Arena of Valor, League of Legends, and EA Sports FC Online.
Highlighting its popularity, esports is the only competition at the Asian Games that allocated tickets through an initial online lottery before opening up for direct purchase. The tickets for esports events can reach up to 1,000 yuan (US$137), making it one of the most expensive events to watch at the Games.
Xu Kezhen, a 20-year-old fan, described the process of getting tickets as intense. He had to try five or six times before finally securing one. Kezhen explained that everyone wants to come and support the Chinese team and their favorite players, leading to a rush for tickets.
Despite the hassle and expense, fans like Zhao Xiaohan persisted in trying their luck. Xiaohan signed up for all possible lotteries and eventually won a prized ticket. Xiaohan described the experience as challenging and acknowledged that luck played a role in securing the ticket.
Another lucky spectator, Jiang Xinyou, expressed disappointment in not being able to get tickets for the matches featuring the Chinese team. However, those who managed to enter the 4,500-capacity arena cheered and waved lightsticks as they witnessed the two-dimensional “heroes” battling onscreen, controlled by athletes using their phone screens.
The Games organizers have not disclosed the total number of tickets released but have implemented measures to prevent scalping. Spectators are required to register their identification documents when purchasing tickets and must present them when entering the venue.
Overall, esports has captivated fans at the Asian Games, with tickets being highly sought after and fans eagerly supporting their favorite players and teams.
Credit: The Star : Tech Feed
