The 20th Asian Games to Feature 11 E-sports Events
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has unveiled the list of 11 e-sports events that will be featured in the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in 2026. The announcement followed an emergency online meeting held by the OCA’s Executive Board, which unanimously approved the inclusion of the following titles for the 2026 Games:
- Competitive Martial Arts (Team Competition)
- Pokemon Unite
- Honor of Kings
- League of Legends
- PUBG Mobile (Asian Games Version)
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- Identity V (Asian Games Version)
- Naraka: Bladepoint
- Gran Turismo 7
- Efootball Series
- Puyo Puyo Champions
This marks the continuation of e-sports’ growing presence at the Asian Games. First introduced as a demonstration sport during the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang in 2018, e-sports was officially recognised as a medal sport at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023, with seven titles contested.
The 20th Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
Background and Development of E-sports in the Asian Games
E-sports has gained significant popularity in recent years, with a growing global following and a increasing number of professional teams and players. The inclusion of e-sports in the Asian Games is a significant milestone in the development of the sport, providing a platform for Asian athletes to compete and showcase their skills on a global stage.
Conclusion
The inclusion of 11 e-sports events in the 20th Asian Games is a testament to the growing recognition of e-sports as a legitimate sport. The competition is expected to be highly competitive, with top teams and players from across Asia vying for medals and recognition. The event is also expected to attract a large audience, with the potential to increase the popularity of e-sports in the region.
FAQs
Q: What are the 11 e-sports events that will be featured in the 20th Asian Games?
A: The 11 e-sports events are:
- Competitive Martial Arts (Team Competition)
- Pokemon Unite
- Honor of Kings
- League of Legends
- PUBG Mobile (Asian Games Version)
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- Identity V (Asian Games Version)
- Naraka: Bladepoint
- Gran Turismo 7
- Efootball Series
- Puyo Puyo Champions
Q: When will the 20th Asian Games take place?
A: The 20th Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
Q: What is the significance of the inclusion of e-sports in the Asian Games?
A: The inclusion of e-sports in the Asian Games is a significant milestone in the development of the sport, providing a platform for Asian athletes to compete and showcase their skills on a global stage. It also recognizes e-sports as a legitimate sport and increases its visibility and popularity in the region.