ACL turns metropolis into gamers' Mecca

Shanghai has been ramping up efforts to become a global esports hub. Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, president of the Saudi Esports Federation, believes it already is, with a strong esports community, sound infrastructure and demonstrated success at hosting top-level global events.

"There are no other cities in China where we can hold such an international (and multi-title) esports tournament," says Jonny Wang, chief executive officer of the Hero Esports Asian Champions League (ACL).

Wang noted that seven arenas across the city were put into use for this year's inaugural tournament, making Shanghai irreplaceable, especially in terms of "hardware" and infrastructure.