The 2026 Global Esports Conference was held in Shanghai's Jing'an district on July 31, underscoring the district's growing role in the global gaming and esports industry.

The conference unveiled the 2026 Shanghai Esports Masters and the 2026 China College Esports League Finals and launched Jing'an's new core functional zone for the gaming and esports industry.

Jing'an began building its esports ecosystem in 2019, when it became the first district in Shanghai to propose developing a core area for a "Global Esports Capital".

More than 100 gaming and esports companies are now based in the district, spanning game development, tournaments, broadcasting, clubs, and related businesses. Notable names include Riot Games, whose only global development center outside its United States headquarters is located in Jing'an. The center has contributed to hit titles including League of Legends and Valorant.

Major events, such as the Global Esports Conference and the Shanghai Esports Masters, are also helping drive broader consumer spending and industry growth.

According to Jing'an's deputy district head Long Wanli, the district will continue to develop its esports cluster in the Daning Functional Zone, strengthen support for businesses and talent, and attract more global resources.

Daning is building more than an industry park, with support spanning business services, talent, and innovation.

About 10,000 square meters have been reserved for a new gaming industry park, alongside public esports facilities. Companies can access production space, policy support, and industry connections, while partnerships with universities and overseas service providers are designed to strengthen talent development and international expansion.

The district is also encouraging the use of gaming technologies such as game engines, AI-generated content, and interactive storytelling to expand into fields including industrial design and digital museums, while linking gaming intellectual property with culture, tourism, and consumer experiences.

Source: Jing'an district government