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.