Shanghai to Stage Inaugural Asian Champions League Esports Event in May 2025
In May 2025, Shanghai will welcome the debut of the Asian Champions League (ACL). A major esports series showcasing a diverse lineup of popular competitive titles. Organized by Hero Esports—a company renowned for its role in managing tournaments at the 2022 Asian Games and 2024 Esports World Cup. The event will feature a total prize pool of $2 million across nine tournaments. Several of these competitions will also act as regional qualifiers for the 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC), scheduled to occur later that summer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Tournament Overview and Key Details
The ACL 2025 will include competitions in CrossFire, Counter-Strike 2, Honor of Kings, Dota 2, Teamfight Tactics, Street Fighter 6, Delta Force, League of Legends, and VALORANT. While League of Legends and VALORANT dates and prize pools remain unannounced, other confirmed tournaments include:
- Counter-Strike 2 (May 6–16): $300,000 prize pool; 8 teams compete for 1 EWC slot.
- Honor of Kings (May 5–18): $200,000 prize pool; 12 teams vie for 1 EWC slot.
- CrossFire (May 16–17): $100,000 prize pool; 8 teams battle for 1 EWC slot.
- Dota 2 (May 16): $150,000 prize pool; 4 teams contest 1 EWC slot.
- Street Fighter 6 (May 16–18): $30,000 prize pool; offers 2 EWC slots (participant count pending).
- Teamfight Tactics (May 15–18): $150,000 prize pool; 8 teams (no EWC slots).
- Delta Force (May 2025): $100,000 prize pool (details pending).
Confirmed Teams and Participation
While full rosters are still being finalized, early confirmations highlight a mix of regional and international contenders. For instance, Australia’s FlyQuest and Mongolia’s The Huns Esports will join the Counter-Strike 2 bracket, while Filipino squads ARC Esports and UBECmaniacGT are set for CrossFire. Additional teams from across Asia and beyond are expected to compete alongside Chinese representatives, with qualifiers and direct invitations shaping the final lineup.
Anticipated Updates
Hero Esports plans to release further details, including finalized participant lists and scheduling for League of Legends and VALORANT, after qualification rounds conclude. Fans can track announcements and live updates through the Esports Charts platform, which will host dedicated tournament pages.
This event underscores Shanghai’s growing influence in global esports and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader investments in the industry, as seen through the EWC’s expanding footprint.
