Hero Esports Asian Champions League: Shanghai Winners Qualify for Esports World Cup
The Hero Esports Asian Champions League (ACL), Asia’s first international multi-title esports tournament, came to a successful close in Shanghai on May 18, 2025. Organized by Hero Esports, the region’s largest esports company, the grand finals were held from May 16 to 18 across three major venues in the city. The event brought together some of the best teams and players from across Asia, competing for a massive $2 million prize pool.
This year’s tournament featured nine popular esports titles, with intense matches that thrilled both live and online audiences. Most importantly, the winners of several titles secured direct entry into the Esports World Cup (EWC), the world’s biggest international esports tournament held every summer in Saudi Arabia.
In Dota 2, Xtreme Gaming defeated Team Tidebound in a close 3-2 series. Their victory earned them not only the championship title but also a ticket to represent Asia on the global stage at the EWC. In the Counter-Strike 2 final, Tyloo delivered a dominant performance, beating Lynn Vision Gaming 2-0. Tyloo’s strategic coordination and sharp shooting secured their spot at the world event.
Saturday saw more champions crowned. In the Crossfire event, Baisha Gaming took the title after a series of strong performances throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, Talent Gaming maintained their winning streak by defeating Dragon Ranger Gaming 4-2 in the Honor of Kings final. Talent Gaming’s win was especially impressive and earned them their place in the EWC.
The excitement continued on Sunday with the finals of Teamfight Tactics, Street Fighter 6, and Valorant Champions Tour. Team Falcons achieved a 3-0 revenge victory over T1, turning the tables after their previous defeat. In Valorant, DRX outplayed Paper Rex 3-1, highlighting the strength of Korean esports. In Street Fighter 6, Japanese veteran Tokido claimed the top spot, proving his lasting skill in the fighting game community.
In other titles, Eagle Area won the Legend Cup for League of Legends, and Team China celebrated victory in the Delta Force competition, further showcasing the talent coming from the host country.
Apart from the competitions, the ACL grand finals also featured the famous gaming festival DreamHack, which made its debut in China. The festival brought an immersive experience with live gaming, interactive zones, and community events, adding more excitement to the tournament.
With multiple winners now qualified for the Esports World Cup, the Hero Esports Asian Champions League has proven to be a vital platform for Asian teams aiming for international success. These teams will now prepare to face the best players from around the world in Saudi Arabia this summer.
The event not only celebrated top-level esports competition but also highlighted Asia’s growing role in the global gaming industry. As esports continues to expand, tournaments like the ACL offer a glimpse into the future of entertainment, where skill, strategy, and community come together on a world stage.