China makes a difference in global esports market growth in 2025

The esports industry in China continued to experience steady development in 2025. CGTN Sports Scene's detailed review highlights the changes and growth in the sector over the past 12 months via data and charts.

The program's esports account, "Esports Scene," gained 60,000 followers and surpassed 11 million views in the previous two months, underscoring how much esports has been thriving in China.

Tickets sold out in just 12 seconds for the King Pro League (KPL) Grand Finals at the National Stadium on November 8. A total of 62,196 spectators filed into the stands in Beijing, the largest live audience ever for a single esports event.

Saudi Esports Federation Chairman Prince Faisal bin Bandar Al Saud, who attended the Finals in person, spoke highly of China's esports atmosphere.

"It is something amazing to see," he said. "60,000 fans in an arena to watch an esports match – sold out tickets in 12 seconds – which is insane."

According to the 2025 China Esports Industry Report, over the past five years, China's esports user base has increased from 488 million in 2021 to 495 million in 2025.

Sales revenue for China's esports industry reached 29.3 billion yuan (about $4.2 billion) in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 6.4 percent.

In 2025 alone, China hosted 142 professional esports tournaments, including two phenomenon-level events – the League of Legends World Championship and the KPL Grand Finals.

Meanwhile, the global influence of Chinese-developed games continued to expand. Honor of Kings and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang both have worldwide fan bases, making esports a new bridge for cultural exchanges.