Esports Vietnam strengthens its position in Southeast Asia: Riot Games exec

At the Vietnam GameVerse 2025 forum on May 26, Laura Li, Head of Asia-Pacific eSport at Riot Games, described Vietnam as a rising star in the regional esports scene.

Vietnamese teams such as GAM eSports, Team Secret Whales, and player Crazyguy (RRQ) have consistently competed in major international tournaments including the VCT Masters Toronto and Vietnam Championship Series (VCS).

Li credited this success to a passionate player base, a professional esports ecosystem, and strong support from local partners.

Laura Li, Head of Asia-Pacific eSport at Riot Games. Photo courtesy of Vietnam GameVerse

She also highlighted VNGGames' strategic role in developing the esports community and managing a professional ecosystem aligned with international standards. From organizing the VCS to hosting the Viewing Party Worlds 2024, VNGGames has proven its ability to unite communities and generate meaningful impact.

"VNG not only understands the local market but also shares a unified vision and long-term commitment with Riot Games to build a sustainable esports landscape in Vietnam," Li said.

During Vietnam GameVerse 2025, Li outlined the rapid evolution of esports, which has grown from pure entertainment into a global cultural and economic force. Esports now drives substantial financial returns and attracts hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.

The 2024 League of Legends World Championship final between T1 and BLG attracted 50 million global online views, with an average minute audience (AMA) of 33 million.

VNGGames’ Viewing Party series during Worlds 2024 drew tens of thousands of attendees and over 1.1 million online views nationwide. The VCS, co-hosted by Riot Games and VNGGames, consistently achieves over one million online viewers per season.

Riot Games emphasized the importance of local partnerships to maximize revenue, build communities, and uphold global standards. "We don't just translate products; we strive to understand local culture, earn community trust, and invest for the long term," a company representative said.

Beyond community engagement, esports is an expanding economic driver. The 2022 Worlds generated over US$53 million for the host city's economy, while Worlds 2024 is projected to contribute an additional EUR 12 million (US$16 million) to London's economy. The Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) alone awarded more than US$78.4 million in prize money and digital merchandise revenue to participating teams last year.

Game exhibition at Vietnam GameVerse on May 26, 2025. Photo courtesy of VNG

Vietnam's esports growth is supported by a passionate player base, government backing, and professionalization by local organizations. Groups like ON Live Esports (under VTVCab) and the Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sports Association (VIRESA) are helping build a structured esports ecosystem that brings the industry closer to audiences and raises organizational standards.

"We believe esports can only develop sustainably through collaboration between the government, businesses, and community. Vietnam has a strong foundation to become a leading regional, and eventually global, esports hub," the Riot Games representative concluded at Vietnam GameVerse 2025.