Esports in Taiwan has experienced a meteoric rise, quickly establishing itself as a key player within the global gaming landscape. From its early beginnings to its current boom, competitive gaming is now deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture and infrastructure, attracting gamers and fans alike to attend major events featuring local heroes.
In this guide, we will delve into the fascinating world of esports within Taiwan – exploring popular games, tournaments, teams and unique experiences that have propelled this island nation to prominence in the highly competitive realm of electronic sports.
Key Takeaways
- Taiwan has a thriving esports industry, with professional players, clubs and communities, as well as major events and tournaments.
- Popular esports games in Taiwan include League of Legends (LoL), PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), Overwatch, Arena of Valor, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Hearthstone.
- Taiwan is home to several major esports events and tournaments, including the Taiwan Excellence Gaming Cup, the Overwatch Pacific Championship and the Taipei Game Show Indie House.
- The Taiwanese government offers support for its growing esports industry by funding professional gaming teams and establishing training programs for aspiring players. Additionally, some schools offer courses that teach students how to become professional gamers or work within the esports industry.
Esports In Taiwan: An Overview
Esports has taken the world by storm, and Taiwan is no exception. The progressive country has a thriving gaming industry that’s rapidly evolving, with a growing number of professional players, dedicated clubs and communities, as well as major events and tournaments. In this guide to esports in Taiwan, we’ll explore its fascinating history and evolution to becoming one of Asia’s leading destinations for competitive gaming. From unique features like the first dedicated esports hotel in Asia to government support for the industry’s continued growth, there’s plenty to discover about Taiwanese esports. So whether you’re an avid player or simply curious about what all the buzz is about, read on!
Brief History And Evolution Of Esports In Taiwan
The roots of esports in Taiwan can be traced back to the early days of competitive gaming, with iconic classics such as Pong igniting players’ passions in the 1970s. As technology advanced and newer games emerged on the scene, video game enthusiasts began forming communities centred around their favourite titles.
Esports truly took off in Taiwan with the establishment of the Taiwan eSports League (TeSL) in 2008. As it entered its sixth season, TeSL gained considerable traction among gamers and fans alike, emerging as one of Asia’s most prominent professional leagues.
Today, Taiwanese esports has evolved into an extensive ecosystem comprising numerous professional teams and players who receive various forms of governmental assistance.
Popular Esports Games In Taiwan
Taiwan’s love for esports is evident in the games that are most popular in the country. Here are some of the top esports games played in Taiwan:
League of Legends (LoL): This multiplayer online battle arena game is one of the most popular esports games globally, and Taiwan is no exception. The Taiwanese government has even recognised LoL as a national sport.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG): This battle royale-style game has gained a massive following in Taiwan, with many professional players hailing from the country.
Overwatch: Blizzard Entertainment’s team-based shooter has also captured Taiwan’s attention, with a strong fanbase and competitive scene.
Arena of Valor: Another MOBA game, Arena of Valor has become very popular in several Southeast Asian countries including Taiwan.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO): This classic first-person shooter remains widely played in Taiwan and continues to be an important part of its esports scene.
Hearthstone: Blizzard Entertainment’s digital collectable card game has a loyal following in Taiwan, with many skilled players regularly competing in tournaments.
With gaming culture so deeply embedded in society, there are always new and exciting games on the horizon for Taiwanese esports enthusiasts to look forward to.
Major Esports Events And Tournaments In Taiwan
Taiwan is home to several major esports events and tournaments, showcasing the country’s thriving gaming scene. Here are some of the most significant:
Taiwan Excellence Gaming Cup – This tournament is sponsored by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and features games such as League of Legends, Overwatch, and CS:GO.
Taiwan Dota2 League – This league features a prize pool of over NT$1 million and attracts top teams from across the region.
Overwatch Pacific Championship – This is a major Overwatch tournament featuring teams from China, Japan, Korea, and Australia in addition to Taiwan.
Taipei Game Show Indie House – This event showcases indie games made by Taiwanese developers and provides a platform for them to showcase their work to international audiences.
Taiwan Mobile Esports Games Carnival – This event features mobile games such as Arena of Valor and Clash Royale and has attracted thousands of participants.
TaiSPO Esports Arena – This annual event is part of the Taipei International Sporting Goods Show (TaiSPO) and features tournaments in popular games like PUBG and Fortnite.
Asia-Pacific Predator League – Sponsored by Acer, this tournament brings together teams from across the region to compete in games like Dota 2.
With so many exciting events taking place throughout the year, it’s no wonder that Taiwan has become a hub for esports in Asia!
The Culture Of Esports In Taiwan
Professional esports teams and players in Taiwan receive widespread recognition and support, with some of the world’s best gamers hailing from the country. Esports fans in Taiwan are known for their passionate love of competitive gaming, and communities can be found all over the island, both online and offline.
Professional Esports Teams And Players In Taiwan
There are several professional esports teams and players in Taiwan who have made a name for themselves in the global esports scene. Some of these include:
Flash Wolves – This Taiwanese League of Legends team is one of the most successful teams in Asia, having won numerous regional tournaments and placing highly in international competitions.
Machi Esports – Another well-known League of Legends team from Taiwan, Machi Esports has consistently performed well in regional competitions and even qualified for the 2020 World Championship.
J Team – This esports organisation has teams across multiple games, including League of Legends, Overwatch, and Rainbow Six Siege. Their League of Legends team was once considered one of the top teams in Taiwan.
Hsieh Chia-wei – A professional Hearthstone player from Taiwan, Hsieh Chia-wei has competed in multiple international tournaments and is known for his innovative deck creations.
Chen “tom60229” Wei-Lin – Another successful Hearthstone player from Taiwan, tom60229 won the 2017 Hearthstone World Championship and has since become a popular figure in the global Hearthstone community.
Chu “ChuDat” Dat – ChuDat is a professional Super Smash Bros. Melee player from Taiwan who has been active in the competitive scene since 2006. He has had numerous top placings at major tournaments throughout his career.
Chen “Zest” Shuo-Yi – Zest is a professional StarCraft II player from Taiwan who has competed at the highest level for several years, winning multiple championships and earning over $400,000 in prize money.
These are just a few examples of the talented esports players and teams that call Taiwan home. With strong government support and a thriving gaming culture, it’s no surprise that Taiwan continues to produce some of the best esports talent in the world.
Esports Fans And Communities In Taiwan
Esports fans and communities in Taiwan are deeply enthusiastic about the industry. The gaming culture in Taiwan is evident through its numerous gaming clubs and esports events, which draw large audiences from across the country.
Professional gamers are also celebrated as heroes, with many Taiwanese players achieving global acclaim for their skills.
The Taiwanese government has taken steps to foster a supportive environment for esports by funding professional gaming teams and establishing training programmes for aspiring players.
Additionally, some educational institutions have created courses that teach students how to become professional gamers or work within the esports industry.
Overall, it’s clear that there is a thriving culture of competitive gaming in Taiwan that continues to grow year-on-year due to both government support and passionate fans’ unwavering dedication towards the industry.
Esports Education And Training In Taiwan
Taiwan is quickly gaining recognition as one of the top locations for esports training and education. Many schools in Taiwan have started to offer courses in competitive gaming, with a focus on game theory and strategy.
One such example is the Taipei Assassins, who have their own esports academy that offers coaching and guidance to young gamers.
Moreover, the Taiwanese government has recognised the potential of esports as an industry and has taken measures to support it further through various initiatives.
Overall, it is clear that esports education and training are flourishing in Taiwan due to its supportive environment.
Unique Features And Experiences Of Esports In Taiwan
The first dedicated esports hotel in Asia, located in Taipei, offers rooms equipped with high-end gaming equipment and provides professional-grade facilities for competitive gamers.
Tt eSPORTS, a Taiwanese company founded in 2010, has made significant contributions to the industry by providing top-tier gaming equipment and sponsoring various esports events.
The First Dedicated Esports Hotel In Asia
Taiwan is home to Asia’s first dedicated esports hotel, the i Hotel. The hotel boasts 100 rooms, each equipped with high-end gaming facilities and equipment, such as Alienware computers and DXRacer chairs.
The i Hotel is not just for competitive gamers; it caters to all types of gamers and offers a range of services beyond its gaming facilities, including themed guest rooms inspired by popular games like League of Legends and Overwatch.
The Contribution Of Tt ESPORTS To The Industry
Tt eSPORTS is a renowned Taiwanese gaming brand that has made significant contributions to the esports industry globally, especially in Taiwan. The company produces a wide range of gaming hardware and peripherals such as keyboards, mice, headsets, and chairs that are popular with serious gamers.
In Taiwan, Tt eSPORTS boasts its own team and is known for hosting events such as the annual Tt Cup competition. Additionally, the company has been instrumental in providing high-quality equipment used by professional gamers during tournaments like Taiwan eSports League (TeSL).
The Excitement Of Attending A Live Esports Event In Taiwan
Attending a live esports event in Taiwan is an exhilarating experience that attracts gaming enthusiasts from all over the world. With world-class venues and state-of-the-art facilities, Taiwan provides the perfect location for competitive gaming at its best.
Taiwan’s esports scene is renowned for creating amazing atmospheres during live tournaments. Fans get to show their excitement by chanting team slogans, waving banners and cheering on their favourite players or teams throughout the competition.
Taiwan has also established itself as a hub for cutting-edge technology in regard to hosting large-scale events globally.
The Future Of Esports In Taiwan
Taiwan’s government support for esports and the country’s strong infrastructure could lead to further growth and opportunities for Taiwan to become a global hub for competitive gaming.
Government Support And Initiatives For Esports
The Taiwanese government has been actively involved in promoting the growth of esports in recent years. In 2016, it announced a plan to classify the gaming industry under a specific category, as part of its efforts to support the development of competitive gaming.
As part of its initiatives, the government has also provided funding for various esports events and tournaments held in Taiwan.
Moreover, there are professional gaming teams in Taiwan that receive government support. The Taipei Assassins were one such team that won the League of Legends World Championship back in 2012.
And even now, some Taiwanese players have made their way into other major leagues like PCS and LPL (League of Legends Pro League).
Potential Opportunities And Challenges For Esports In Taiwan
The Taiwanese government has been increasingly supportive of the esports industry, with plans to establish Taiwan as a global hub for gaming. This includes investing in infrastructure and creating opportunities for professional players.
However, there are also challenges that come with such rapid development. One major obstacle is the lack of regulation and standardisation in the industry which affects player safety and fair competition.
Despite these challenges, overall prospects for esports in Taiwan remain positive. With continued government support and increased attention from international organisations, Taiwan can emerge as a dominant force within the industry.
The Potential For Taiwan To Become A Global Hub For Esports
Taiwan is quickly emerging as a potential hub for esports in the global gaming industry.
With Asia’s first dedicated esports hotel located in Taiwan, the country has taken significant steps towards solidifying its position as a key player in the esports space.
Furthermore, Taiwan continues to show its commitment to promoting esports with various initiatives such as the establishment of an Esports Academy at Taipei Physical Education College.
Conclusion And Outlook For Esports In Taiwan
In conclusion, Taiwan is a rapidly growing hub for esports in Asia. With its dedicated clubs, professional teams and players, and numerous tournaments and events, the gaming culture in Taiwan is thriving.
The government’s support for the industry has made it all possible while opening doors to more opportunities for growth. Taiwan continues to innovate such as having Asia’s first dedicated esports hotel.
Taiwanese gamers are increasingly enjoying unique experiences alongside serious competition with professionals within the country, making them among the best globally.
FAQs:
What are the most popular Esports in Taiwan?
The most popular Esports games in Taiwan include League of Legends, Dota 2, Overwatch, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and StarCraft II.
Are there any professional Esports teams based in Taiwan?
Yes, there are several top-tier professional Esports teams that hail from or have operations in Taiwan including Flash Wolves (League of Legends), ahq e-Sports Club (League of Legends), J Team (Overwatch) and Machi E-sport (Dota 2).
How does the Taiwanese government support Esports development?
The Taiwanese government has recognised the potential economic benefits of growing a strong local Esports industry and has provided funding for events such as tournaments and leagues to attract international attention to the island’s talented players.
How can I get involved with playing or watching esports while visiting Taiwan?
There is no shortage of options for visitors who want to experience esports culture while travelling through Taiwan! Major tournament events take place throughout the year at venues like Taipei Game Show or near universities where gaming clubs often host casual meetups and viewing parties open to anyone interested in watching high-level competition live.
