The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya to Feature Esports as a Major Sporting Event
In a groundbreaking announcement, the 2026 Asian Games will officially recognize esports as a key medalled event, introducing eleven titles to the competition lineup. This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of esports, showcasing its growing prominence in the world of traditional sports.
Historic Expansion of Esports at the Asian Games
For the first time in Asian Games history, a martial arts team competition will be included in the esports category, signaling a fusion of traditional sports with the digital realm. This exciting development reflects the increasing mainstream acceptance of esports as a legitimate competitive discipline.
The decision to include esports in the official medal tally was made during an emergency online executive board meeting held on February 22, 2025. Led by the National Olympic Committees, the Executive Board members, and OCA Director General Husain Al Musallam, the meeting set the stage for the inclusion of esports in the 2026 Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
A Diverse Lineup of Esports Titles
Eleven popular esports titles will compete for medals at the 2026 Asian Games. These titles cover a wide range of genres, from fighting games and strategy-based esports to sports simulations. Here are the selected titles:
- Street Fighter Series
- Tekken Series
- King of Fighters Series
- Pokemon Unite
- Honor of Kings
- League of Legends
- PUBG Mobile – Asian Games Version
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
- Identity V – Asian Games Version
- Naraka: Bladepoint
- Gran Turismo 7
- eFootball Series
- Puyo Puyo Champions
These titles, known for their competitive scenes, promise to bring intense excitement and high-level gameplay to the Games. The inclusion of popular fighting games like Tekken, Street Fighter, and King of Fighters highlights the growing recognition of esports as a form of competitive sport on par with traditional games.
Esports: From Demonstration to Medal Status
Esports made its debut at the Asian Games in 2018 as a demonstration sport at the Jakarta-Palembang edition. While no medals were awarded, titles like League of Legends, Hearthstone, Arena of Valor, and StarCraft II were showcased, setting the stage for future inclusion.
In 2022, the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, took the next step by officially recognizing esports as a medal event. With eight medal events and additional demonstrations in robotics and virtual reality, the 2022 Games proved the growing importance of digital sports in the global arena. However, due to technical issues, Hearthstone was removed from the lineup when Blizzard’s servers shut down in China.
The 2026 Games will build upon this foundation, expanding the esports category and introducing a wide range of competitive titles that represent various gaming genres.
A Milestone for Esports and the Asian Games
The inclusion of esports in the 2026 Asian Games signifies a new chapter for both digital sports and traditional multi-sport competitions. As esports continues to evolve, the Asian Games offer a platform for top-tier players to showcase their skills on a global stage. The 2026 edition, taking place from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will further cement esports’ place as a respected competitive discipline.
This historic move brings esports closer to mainstream recognition and further legitimizes its role in global sports. The upcoming Games will not only showcase the best athletes in traditional sports but also highlight the extraordinary talent within the esports community.
As the 2026 Asian Games approach, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as athletes from all over Asia compete for glory in both traditional and digital arenas.
