The Shanghai Esports Masters (SEM) came to an end at the Jing'an Sports Center in east China's Shanghai Municipality on December 8. During the five-day competition, some 100 players from around the world competed with each other in four events.

Since its inauguration in 2019, the development of the tournament reflected the changes in the esports audience in recent years. More and more people have built a better understanding of esports. The competitions are no longer limited to professional events hosted by game manufacturers, but also come in the form of national events for the general public.

"The fact that more and more people like esports shows that esports are also gaining recognition from society and public opinion," esports fan Zhou Beiqing told CGTN Sports Scene's Liu Jiaqi. "As an esports enthusiast, I feel that I have chosen the right hobby."

Compared with the previous editions, more top players came to participate in this year's SEM, including Hangzhou Asian Games Arena of Valor gold medalist Luo Siyuan and Valorant player Liang Youhao.

"I think it is a great honor to be able to represent Honor of Kings and attend the Opening Ceremony," Luo said. "I will try my best to participate in the competition, and I also hope to have another chance to fight for our country."

"I hope that the future of esports will be prosperous," Liang said. "Because I feel different enthusiasm and passion in it, which makes me feel there is a different atmosphere."

After years of exploration and accumulation, the SEM has become a benchmark and model for third-party events. Zhu Qinqin, secretary-general of the tournament, said that one of the original intentions of the SEM was to help more people better understand and enjoy watching esports.

"In the future, the esports audience will definitely not be limited to the audience of game manufacturers," Zhu noted. "We want more people to understand esports, know esports, and watch esports, just like today we see that many departments in Shanghai, including many leaders, are involved. In this regard, we must expand the influence and popularity of esports through third-party events, so at this time, we founded the Shanghai Esports Masters."