Amid the great excitement of the 2025 League of Legends World Championship (S15), the connection between esports and traditional sports deserves a closer look. These two competitive fields are far more similar than many people think, sharing core elements that define athletic excellence.

CGTN's in-depth conversation with Yao Chenguang, former player of the Shaanxi Provincial Basketball Team, and Zhang Wei, CEO of Team WE Esports Club, offers valuable insights into the striking parallels between the two. Both rely on strict talent selection, systematic training programs and professionally organized tournament operations.

Beyond these structural similarities, both esports athletes and traditional sports players need extraordinary physical and mental strength, reflecting the universal sacrifices required for competitive success. Most importantly, they share an unshakable core: unwavering competitive spirit, smooth teamwork and a relentless drive to win.

As S15 captivates global audiences with its high stakes and strong sportsmanship, this exploration emphasizes that esports is not just a digital pastime. It is a legitimate extension of athletic competition, rooted in the same enduring principles that have guided traditional sports for decades.

Executive Producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director: Chen Qingxuan

Video Editor: Chen Qingxuan

Cameramen: Wan Hui

Cover Photo: Jia Jieqiong