The epicenter of gaming

When Xavier Descharmes, chief marketing officer of OG Esports, walks through Shanghai on any summer morning, the city's sounds, smells, humidity, and even the police officers wearing yellow jackets instantly unlock the memories of his first visit to China seven years ago.

At that time, on a late August evening, the OG Esports team defended its title in the city at The International 2019, the world's largest Dota 2 esports tournament, a feat that no other team in TI history had yet accomplished.

It also marked the first time that the top-level tournament was held in Shanghai, and made the team familiar to Chinese esports fans. Although they advanced to the finals by defeating a Chinese team that had been widely tipped to win the championship, they still earned the respect and cheers of local fans with their beautiful play.

"When I was there for the first time, I was speechless for a good 30 seconds due to the passion that embraced me — passion from the players, the audience and the organizers. We might support different teams, but we share the same raw emotion of passion and hunger.

"There is nothing too different between us. We built a connection, a good relationship and a special bond with Chinese fans. It changed everything," recalls Descharmes.

With TI 2026 approaching again in Shanghai, the team is actively preparing for its comeback — and many more beyond the tournament. Descharmes says that they are looking to expand their presence in the nation, hoping to grow organically with the local esports community in the long term.

Esports refers to competitive video gaming where individuals or teams compete against each other in various video game titles. Objectives may include destroying an enemy base, defeating monsters in fantasy worlds, or scavenging for weapons and armor to defeat other players. Tournaments can be local, regional or international, with some events offering substantial prize money. The tournaments are often held in large arenas and are streamed online to worldwide audiences that can number in the millions.