Hearthstone Headlines Esports at the Asian Games

The second-largest multi-sport event on the planet will include pro Hearthstone when the 2018 edition of the Asian Games kicks off in Indonesia later this summer. Hearthstone being featured in the Asian Games, alongside StarCraft II and other games, marks the first time that esports competition has been recognized by a regional organizing body of the International Olympic Committee. So while the footballers, swimmers, and runners win medals at the Asian Games, eight of the continent’s top Hearthstone players will be seeking to earn their own medals.* Recent qualifying events for hundreds of players throughout Asia—held by the Asian Electronic Sports Federation, the governing body of esports in Asia—determined the top eight players who will represent their countries at the Asian Games: Player Nation Region Lo Tsz Kin (Kin0531) Hong Kong East Asia Akasaka Tetsuro (Tredsred) Japan East Asia Nguyen Anh Tuan (Tuan) Vietnam Southeast Asia Werit Popan (Disdai) Thailand Southeast Asia Tirth Mehta (Gcttirth) India South Asia Mukashov Artur (Gambit) Kyrgyzstan Central Asia Mosa Fouad H Alkaltham (Abu11ibrahim) Saudia Arabia West Asia Hendry Koentarto Handisurya (Jothree) Indonesia Host Country With the field of competitors nearly set, the Asian Games begin with opening ceremonies on Aug. 18. Stay tuned to playhearthstone.com/esports for more information on dates, venue, formats, and more. *Medals won in esports events will not count toward any nation’s official medal count.