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The Esports World Championship wrapped up Nov. 11 in Kaohsiung Arena, southern Taiwan, with more than 700 players from 48 countries and territories showcasing their skills at one of the leading global gaming competitions.
 
Jointly organized by Chinese Taipei e-Sports Association and Kaohsiung City Government, the 10th edition of the International Esports Federation-sanctioned tournament comprised contests in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends and Tekken 7.
 
The team from Finland won the CS:GO championship, with Sweden claiming second and Romania third. South Korea captured the LOL title ahead of Macau and Taiwan, while Saudi Arabia, Japan and South Korea topped the Tekken 7 competition, in that order.
 
Speaking at the opening ceremony Nov. 10, President Tsai Ing-wen said that the tournament—the largest esports event ever staged in Taiwan—underscores the government’s commitment to promoting the sector.
 
Kaohsiung City is playing a central role in these efforts, Tsai said, citing the inauguration of a dedicated esports facility last year at the municipality’s Maritime Cultural and Popular Music Center. The government will continue to provide support for local players and work to build Kaohsiung into one of the region’s foremost esports hubs, she added.
 
According to Kaohsiung City Government’s Bureau of Cultural Affairs, hosting the championship has helped shine a global spotlight on the city as well as foster business opportunities for its cultural and creative industry. With the inauguration of the esports center, this sector is expected to bolster local economic development going forward, the bureau said.
 
Overseen by the South Korea-based IESF, the Esports World Championship has been held annually since 2011. It is the only global event of its kind for national teams. (SFC-E)

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