Esports At Asian Games 2022 Review, Analysis, Ratings And Impression
The 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, marked a groundbreaking moment in the world of sports and entertainment as esports made its official debut as a medal event. With the backdrop of the China Hangzhou Esports Center, this landmark event showcased the intersection of traditional sports and digital gaming, capturing the imagination of millions of esports enthusiasts and sports fans alike.
Esports has evolved from being a niche pastime to a major industry, attracting investment, sponsorships, and a dedicated following. Check details on Esports At Asian Games 2022 review, analysis, ratings and impressions.
The Path to the Asian Games: Qualification and Seedings
Before the main event, a rigorous qualification process known as the AESF Road to Asian Games 2022 took place in Macau, China. Spanning from June 15 to July 15, this tournament featured all the titles that would be contested at the Asian Games. Importantly, the results of this qualification tournament played a pivotal role in determining the seedings for participating countries, ensuring a competitive and balanced field.
Notably, South Korea and Japan chose not to partake in this qualification stage, setting the stage for an intriguing dynamic in the competitions to come.
Asian Games 2022: The Gaming Lineup
The esports lineup at the 2022 Asian Games comprised a diverse selection of titles, each with its unique set of challenges and strategies. These included:
- Arena of Valor: A fast-paced multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that tests players’ teamwork and tactical prowess.
- Dota 2: The highly competitive and complex MOBA game known for its strategic depth and high-stakes matches.
- Dream Three Kingdoms 2: A strategy-based mobile game that brings ancient Chinese history to life through epic battles.
- EA Sports FC Online: A football simulation game that demands precision and sportsmanship.
- League of Legends: Another immensely popular MOBA title that pits teams against each other in intense battles for control and supremacy.
- Peacekeeper Elite: The Asian Games version of PUBG Mobile, a battle royale game that challenges players’ survival skills and aim accuracy.
- Street Fighter V (Champion Edition): A classic fighting game that showcases one-on-one combat skills and quick reflexes.
Asian Games 2022: Medalists and the Impact of Esports
The medalists in the various esports events showcased exceptional talent and competitive spirit, adding a new chapter to the rich history of Asian Games champions. China, South Korea, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, and Malaysia all contributed to the medal tally, showcasing the global nature of esports.
Esports Asian Games 2022: Gold, Silver, Bronze Medalist
| Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
| Arena of Valor | China (Sun Linwei, Luo Siyuan, Lin Heng, Chi Xiaoming, Xu Bicheng, Jiang Tao) | Malaysia (Lai Chia Chien, Nicholas Ng Khai Shuan, Ong Jun Yang, Eng Jun Hao, Yong Zhan Quan, Chong Han Hui) | Thailand (Vatcharanan Thaworn, Anusak Manpdong, Kawee Wachiraphas, Sorawat Boonphrom, Chayut Suebka) |
| Dota 2 | To be announced | To be announced | To be announced |
| Dream Three Kingdoms 2 | China (Cheng Long, Cheng Hu, Fu Haojie, Yao Xing, Zhou Ke, Guo Runmin) | Hong Kong (Law Hing Lung, Chan Cheuk Kit, Yip Ho Lam, Yuen Pak Lam, Yip Wai Lam) | Thailand (Chatchapon Chanthorn, Werit Popan, Attakit Samattakitwanich, Walunchai Sukarin, Teerapat Supasdetch, Pachara Thong Eiam) |
| EA Sports FC Online | Teedech Songsaisakul (Thailand) | Phatanasak Varanan (Thailand) | Kwak Jun-hyouk (South Korea) |
| League of Legends | South Korea (Seo Jin-hyeok, Park Jae-hyeok, Jung Ji-hun, Lee Sang-hyeok, Ryu Min-seok, Choi Woo-je) | Chinese Taipei (Chu Jun-lan, Hu Shuo-chieh, Xu Shi-jie, Hung Hao-hsuan, Chiu Tzu-chuan, SU Chia-hsiang, Chiu Tzu-chuan) | China (Chen Zebin, Tian Ye, Peng Lixun, Zhao Lijie, Zhao Jiahao, Zhuo Ding) |
| Peacekeeper Elite | China (Zhu Bocheng, Zhang Jianhui, Liu Yunyu, Huang Can, Chen Yumeng) | South Korea (Park Sang-cheol, Kwon Soon-bin, Kim Dong-hyeon, Kim Sung-hyun, Choi Young-jae) | Chinese Taipei (Wang Chin-hung, Chiang Chien-ting, Wang Bo-zhi, Chen Hung-ming, Tsai Cheng-fu) |
| Street Fighter V | Kim Kwan-woo (South Korea) | Hsiang Yu-lin (Chinese Taipei) | Lin Li-Wei (Chinese Taipei) |
The inclusion of esports in the Asian Games reflects the changing landscape of sports and entertainment. Esports has not only emerged as a legitimate competitive endeavor but also as a cultural phenomenon that transcends borders and generations. The Asian Games 2022 served as a testament to the esports community’s dedication and passion, while also introducing the world to the immense potential of competitive gaming.
India’s Esports at Asian Games 2022 match by match review
DOTA 2 – India vs. Kyrgyzstan
In their first outing at the Asian Games 2022, India’s DOTA 2 squad, led by captain Darshan Bata (A35), faced off against Kyrgyzstan. The Indian team displayed resilience and strategy but ultimately fell short, enduring a hard-fought 0-1 defeat in their opening group game. Despite the initial setback, their determination remained unwavering, setting the stage for the challenges ahead.
DOTA 2 – India vs. Philippines
The journey continued as India’s DOTA 2 team squared off against the Philippines in the second group stage game. This match was crucial for India’s prospects in the competition. However, they faced another stern test and, despite their best efforts, suffered a 0-1 defeat, which unfortunately led to their exit from the competition. The Indian squad had given their all, but the competition proved to be fierce.
League of Legends – India vs. Vietnam
India’s League of Legends team, captained by Akshaj Shenoy (Kai), entered the quarter-finals with determination and spirit. They faced a formidable opponent in Vietnam, a nation known for its esports prowess. Despite putting up a spirited fight, India’s League of Legends team was unable to secure victory, and they suffered a hard-fought 0-2 defeat in the quarter-finals, concluding their run at the tournament with a commendable fifth-place finish.
EA Sports FC Online – Charanjot Singh’s Campaign
Charanjot Singh, India’s star EA Sports FC Online athlete, embarked on his individual journey. His campaign began with a challenging match against China’s Liu Jiacheng in the Round of 32, resulting in a 0:2 defeat. However, Charanjot displayed remarkable resilience and determination, bouncing back with three consecutive wins against opponents from the Philippines, Bahrain, and Kazakhstan in the Losers Bracket Rounds 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Despite his commendable efforts, Charanjot’s campaign concluded with another 0-2 defeat against Liu Jiacheng of China in the Losers Bracket Round 4, securing a commendable ninth place.
Street Fighter V: Champion Edition – Ayan Biswas and Mayank Prajapati
In the realm of Street Fighter V: Champion Edition, Ayan Biswas represented India with skill and determination. His journey began with a victory against Nguyen Khanh Hung Chau of Vietnam in the Round of 32. However, he faced a formidable opponent, Alrayfal Abdulrahman Salem A of Saudi Arabia, in the Winners Bracket Round 1, resulting in a defeat.
Ayan showcased resilience by defeating Nguyen once again by 2-0 in the Losers Bracket Round 2. However, he faced a challenging match against Yeh Man Ho of Hong Kong in the Losers Bracket Round 3, concluding his journey with a commendable Top 16 finish.
Ayan’s teammate, Mayank Prajapati, fought valiantly but encountered a fiercely contested match against Rajikhan Talal Fuad T of Saudi Arabia, resulting in a 1-2 defeat. He then faced Al-Mannai Abdulla of Qatar, where he battled with determination but eventually exited the tournament after a 0-2 loss in the Losers Bracket Round 1.
A Remarkable Journey
India’s Esports journey at the Asian Games 2022 was characterized by unwavering determination, resilience, and commendable performances. While the challenges were formidable, the Indian contingent left a mark on the esports landscape. Despite facing fierce competition, they secured commendable finishes and served as inspirations for the growing esports community in India.
The Asian Games 2022 provided invaluable experience and motivation for India’s Esports athletes to continue honing their skills and striving for excellence in future competitions. With Esports set to return as an official medal sport at the Asian Games 2026, India’s full-strength contingent will once again aim for glory on the grand stage.
Esports Asian Games 2022: Country-Wise Medal Tally
| Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | China (CHN) | 3 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| 2 | South Korea (KOR) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| 3 | Thailand (THA) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| 4 | Chinese Taipei (TPE) | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 5 | Hong Kong (HKG) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Malaysia (MAS) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| Total | 6 | 6 | 6 | 18 | |
The Future of Esports in Traditional Sports Events
As esports continues to grow, it is likely that its presence in traditional sports events will become more commonplace. The success of esports at the Asian Games may pave the way for further integration, potentially even at the Olympic level.
The 2022 Asian Games will be remembered as a watershed moment for esports, where it earned its place alongside traditional sports on the global stage. This fusion of digital gaming and traditional sports marked a historic shift in the sporting landscape and left a lasting impression on fans, players, and organizers alike. Esports at the Asian Games 2022 was a testament to the industry’s growth, competitiveness, and the bright future that lies ahead.
