China Enters eSports Football Arena with National Team Aspirations

The rise of eSports in China has taken a significant turn as the Chinese Football Association (CFA) announces plans to form a national eSports football team. This initiative reflects the growing popularity of football video games, particularly as traditional football has faced challenges in the country. Players like Zhao Yitang, who recently finished second in the “eFootball” championship in Tokyo, are seeing new opportunities in this virtual arena.

Zhao, a recent graduate, embodies the dreams of many young gamers in China. “If I could join the national team, I would go all-out in my efforts for the side,” he expressed in an interview. The success of Zhao, who reached the finals of a major international tournament, marks a notable achievement in a country where the real-life men’s national team currently ranks 93rd in FIFA’s standings and has not qualified for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.

Challenges in Traditional Football

Despite its immense popularity, traditional football in China has been marred by corruption and match-fixing scandals. In stark contrast to the aspirations of President Xi Jinping, who has voiced ambitions for China to host and win the World Cup, the national team’s performance has been underwhelming.

The CFA’s focus on eSports presents a potential path to glory. China is recognized as one of the largest gaming markets globally, with players excelling in various eSports titles. Yet, the financial rewards in football eSports lag behind those in other gaming genres. As former professional eSports football player Monaco noted, “The prize money is too little. It’s difficult to make a living playing professionally, full-time.” Even winning every tournament might yield only about 70,000 RMB ($9,800) before taxes, a stark contrast to the lucrative salaries in titles like “League of Legends” and “Dota 2”.

Investment and Future Prospects

The CFA is set to compete in eSports events organized by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation. This move is seen as a vital step to elevate China’s presence in the global eSports landscape. Despite the potential, the path remains challenging. As Pan Shuyin, manager of the eSports division at Changchun Yatai, explained, “Probably only 10 people in all of China can make a living out of playing football eSports.”

Changchun Yatai stands out among football clubs in China for its commitment to eSports. “We are the only football club in the whole Chinese Super League, maybe even the only football club in China, continuously investing in eSports,” Pan stated. Other clubs have been hesitant to invest, viewing eSports as a potential financial drain.

The CFA’s initiative highlights the increasing recognition of football eSports, which has begun to gain traction internationally. The ePremier League launched in 2018, and football gaming became an official medal event at the recent Asian Games held in 2023. Yet, despite past participation in global tournaments, China will not be represented at the upcoming FIFAe World Cup in December, taking place in Saudi Arabia.

Zhao, affectionately known as “Ding” or “Teacher Ding” within the eSports community, discovered football video games in 2018 as a means to unwind. “If you watch a lot of real-life football matches, or play a lot of real-life football, you will have your own understanding of how to succeed in eSports,” he noted, emphasizing the connection between real-life experience and virtual gameplay.

As China embarks on this new chapter in eSports football, the aspirations of players like Zhao may finally align with the dreams of a nation seeking success in both virtual and real-life football realms. The formation of a national eSports team could not only provide a platform for talented gamers but also reignite the passion for football in a country that has long sought glory on the pitch.