By Sagar V. Mankar 
Hero Esports (formerly VSPO) has unveiled details for its upcoming Asian Champions League (ACL), featuring a substantial $2 million (15 million RMB) prize pool. The tournament, set to launch in the first half of 2025, will be hosted at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in conjunction with DreamHack Shanghai.
The initial game lineup includes six prominent titles:
- Dota 2
- Counter-Strike 2
- Honor of Kings
- Teamfight Tactics
- Delta Force
- Crossfire
Hero Esports has indicated that additional popular titles will be announced as the tournament approaches, with the total expected to reach seven to ten games at launch.
The exact distribution of the prize pool among these games is still under consideration.
The tournament’s grand finals will mark a historic moment for the Asian esports scene, as it coincides with DreamHack’s first-ever event in China.
The ACL aims to establish itself as an annual tournament with a six-month season structure, creating a regular competitive cycle for participating teams and players.
The newly formed Asia Champions League Foundation will oversee the tournament’s operations, with Hero Esports co-founders taking key leadership positions. Jonny Wang will serve as Chief Executive Officer, while Xie Fan will assume the role of President.
“Creating the Impossible is our inaugural theme,” stated Wang, emphasizing the tournament’s ambition to set new standards for competitive gaming in Asia. “We’re focused on bringing together top talent and creating unforgettable experiences for our audience.”
This announcement marks a significant step for Hero Esports, Asia’s largest esports company, as they continue to expand their influence in the competitive gaming landscape after hosting iconic events like the Olympic Esports Week and the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023.
The tournament’s strategic timing and location in Shanghai, where Hero Esports is headquartered, positions it as a major addition to the international esports calendar for 2025.
The ACL’s connection to the Esports World Cup adds another layer of significance, as discussions are underway to integrate the tournament into global EWC qualifications.
Sources: Official Hero Esports press release