Battle mode on! – Gaming elite go head-to-head at Jinju Esports Championship 2026 ahead of Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

Opening of Esports Championships Asia 2026

The Esports Championships Asia 2026 opened in the South Korean city of Jinju on Saturday, bringing together top athletes to compete across several popular titles.

Fan Excitement and Event Atmosphere

Footage shows dozens of fans cheering for their favourite players as they faced off on the stage of the Jinju Indoor Sports Complex.

“I’m usually very interested in games, so I’m glad I had the chance to come to Jinju not only to experience the local culture but also to watch a game I’m interested in,” said a visitor.

Participants, Games, and Activities

The multi-esports event gathered about 150 participants and coaching staff from seven Asian countries, including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Mongolia, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

The players will demonstrate their skills honed by years of practice in six official disciplines: Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, The King of Fighters, the eFootball series, PUBG Mobile, and Eternal Return.

“As a resident of Jinju, I think it’s great that an international tournament is being held in the city,” said another visitor.

Event organisers also prepared a programme of activities, featuring fan-signing events, cosplay parades, exhibitions showcasing Jinju’s local specialities and culture, and other side events.

Background and Significance of the Championship

Launched through cooperation among South Korea, Japan, and China in 2021, the Esports Championships Asia has evolved over the years into a popular regional tournament.

Coming ahead of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games (Asiad), the championship is widely seen as a prelude to the world’s second-largest multi-sport event after the Olympics, allowing players to test their abilities.