VNG contributions to Vietnam’s eSports
From building a professional tournament system to supporting national athletes on the international stage, VNG is making continuous efforts to drive the overall development of Vietnam’s eSports, aiming for global recognition.
eSports is emerging as a major economic driver, recognized as a structured and serious industry with substantial investments. Like traditional sports, eSports generates significant economic value and, in some cases, even surpasses conventional sports in terms of revenue and audience engagement.
According to Newzoo, the global eSports industry generated nearly $1.4 billion in revenue in 2022, reflecting a 21.8% increase. With an estimated annual growth rate of 8.1%, the number of eSports viewers worldwide is projected to surpass 640 million by 2025. eSports has even been included in major international sporting events such as the SEA Games and ASIAD, further solidifying its status as a global, high-potential industry.
In Vietnam, the gaming market was estimated to have 40 million players in 2020, with 18 million actively engaging in eSports titles. According to the 2021 Vietnam eSports White Paper published by the VIRESA, 80% of players spend increasing amounts of time engaging with eSports-related content.
VNG's contributions to Vietnam's eSports are evident through its close collaboration with the VIRESA at international sporting events. At the SEA Games and, most recently, ASIAD 19, VNG served as a strategic partner of VIRESA, actively participating in the selection, training, and evaluation of athletes through structured training programs and competitive matches. Most recently, a VNGGames representative was appointed as a Board Member of VIRESA for the 2024–2029 term.
“VNG’s ultimate goal for eSports is to bring it closer to traditional sports while promoting healthy entertainment. To achieve this, we will continue working with game developers to enhance the player experience, invest in tournament systems, and support national teams and eSports clubs. By professionalizing players, coaches, and supporting staff, we aim to improve competitive performance and achieve greater success on regional, continental, and global stages,” said Mr. Lã Xuân Thắng, Director, Head of Publishing Vietnam at VNG.
As the exclusive publisher of Riot Games titles in Vietnam, VNGGames has been working closely with Riot Games to support both domestic and international eSports tournaments, providing opportunities for teams to compete, refine their skills, and gain valuable experience. In August 2024, VNGGames and Riot Games signed a strategic partnership to develop a League of Legends eSports tournament ecosystem in 2025, aiming to establish a pan-Asia-Pacific tournament featuring top teams from across the region, including Vietnam.
Previously, VNG was recognized as one of the pioneers in shaping Vietnam’s eSports landscape by organizing professional tournaments across multiple game titles. Notable events hosted by VNGGames include the PUBG Mobile National Championship and the League of Legends Vietnam Championship Series. These tournaments have laid a solid foundation for Vietnam’s eSports success.
At ASIAD 19, Vietnam’s eSports team ranked among the top four in Asia. In SEA Games 32, the team secured seven medals, including one gold, two silver, and four bronze. Previously, at SEA Games 31, Vietnam dominated the eSports competition, topping the overall rankings with four gold medals and three silver medals.
VNG's dedication not only lays the foundation for the growth of eSports in Vietnam but also helps elevate the country's standing on the international stage. VNG remains committed to building a professional eSports ecosystem and driving the sustainable development of Vietnam’s eSports industry with a vision for global expansion.