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LoL, Dota 2, and six more esports recognized as medal events for 2022 Asian Games

For the first time, esports like League of Legends, Dota 2 and more will be recognized as official disciplines in a continental multi-sport event.
By Alejandro Sandoval | 
First Published September 9, 2021, 05:11
LoL, Dota 2, and six more esports recognized as medal events for 2022 Asian Games

In recent years, the recognition of esports as an official sporting discipline has evolved in many different ways, first as a demonstration event during the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, and more recently during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, with the introduction of the Olympic Virtual Series.

Now it looks like we are entering a new stage as the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has announced the inclusion of eight esports titles as official medal events for the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

2022 Asian Games banner
The Olympic Council of Asia will work together with the Asian Electronic Sports Federation to make this event possible. (Picture: Olympic Council of Asia)

Mr Husain Al-Musallam, Director General of the OCA, said they “hope this announcement allows all participating teams ample time to prepare and equip themselves ahead of the qualifying stages, believing they have ticked all the right boxes ensuring a high level of competition which promises great viewing for enthusiasts and casuals alike.”

To get this done, the OCA will be working together with the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) as its Technical Delegate, being in charge of the qualifiers, and the operation and management of the esports competitions in Hangzhou.

All esports featured in the 2022 Asian Games

The 2022 Asian Games, slated to be held on September 2022, will bring players from up to 45 countries to compete on some of the most popular esport titles, they are:

  • Arena of Valor (Asian Games Version)
  • Dota 2
  • Dream Three Kingdoms 2
  • FIFA 22
  • Hearthstone
  • League of Legends
  • PUBG Mobile (Asian Games Version)
  • Street Fighter V
2022 Asian Games banner
In 2018, players from all around Asia had the opportunity to represent their country in demonstration events. (Picture: Associated Press)

Two games that have been "dropped" since the 2018 Asian Games are Starcraft II and Tekken 7, but nonetheless, the announced titles are expected to bring a lot of competition and emotions for all esports fans around the Asian continent.

Looking for more information about your favourite teams? What about news and updates around the latest esports tournaments? Then check out our dedicated esports section right here.

Header image via Olympic Council of Asia.

Alejandro Sandoval

Written by Alejandro Sandoval

Alejandro is an esports journalist dedicated to coverage of everything related to the esports industry, with a focus on professional League of Legends, Wild Rift, Valorant and CS:GO competitions. Having worked together with Riot Games, he's one of the biggest people around esports in Latin America, and you can find him on Twitter at @NathalexSan.