The ACL Grand Finals 2025 will show this change. From May 16 to 18, Shanghai will become Asia's esports hub, drawing fans and players from everywhere.
Three top venues in Shanghai will host the event. The SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center, Jing’an Sports Center, and the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) will create an electric atmosphere. This promises to be an experience to remember.
Esports is becoming more popular worldwide, and the ACL Grand Finals will highlight this. The event will feature nine games with a prize pool over $2 million. Fans will see exciting matches in games like Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2.
This lineup shows the wide range of gaming culture. It ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy.
This year's ACL offers teams a chance to qualify for the 2025 Esports World Cup. For Asian teams, it's a chance to compete against the world's best.
The ACL has strong partnerships, including HERO ESPORTS and 5EPlay. The Esports World Cup, Jin Jiang International, and Shanghai JUSS Sports are also involved. These partnerships aim to grow esports in Asia.
Partners Powering the ACL & DreamHack
Backed by major industry players:
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Chief Partners: HERO ESPORTS × 5EPlay
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Strategic Partners: Esports World Cup, Jin Jiang International, Shanghai JUSS Sports
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Special Partners: Savage Impact, Eastroc Vitamin Energy, HONOR, TGIF, OBSBOT
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ACL Grand Finals 2025 Special Partners: POPEYES, Tongcheng Travel
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ACL × Honor of Kings: CLEAR
Broadcasting Platforms
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China: Kuaishou, Douyin, Huya, Douyu, bilibili, Weibo, Hupu
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Global: Twitch, TikTok, YouTube, CHZZK, SOOP
This makes sure everyone can enjoy the action.
The event schedule is packed with exciting moments. The grand finals for CS2 and Honor of Kings will be at the SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center. The Jing’an Sports Center will host CrossFire semifinals and VALORANT exhibitions. The NECC will have Dota 2 matches and a DreamHack Festival.
Event Schedule Highlights
SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center
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May 16, 14:10 – CS2: Third-Place Match, Exhibition, Opening Ceremony, Grand Finals
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May 17, 14:00 – LoL Legend Cup: Opening, Finals (G1-G9), Intermission Show
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May 18, 16:30 – Honor of Kings: Opening & Grand Finals
Jing’an Sports Center
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May 16, 12:00 – CrossFire: Quarterfinals
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May 17, 12:00 – CrossFire: Semis & Finals
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May 18, 13:00 – VALORANT: Surprise Guest Exhibition & Grand Finals
NECC (Halls 1.2–2.2)
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May 16–18 – DOTA 2, Street Fighter 6, Delta Force, TFT, plus DreamHack Festival
Note: DreamHack Stage access requires a dedicated ticket. General admission does not include DreamHack access.
The ACL Grand Finals Night at INS Park will mix esports, music, and nightlife. It will offer a unique entertainment experience.
The ACL Grand Finals 2025 is more than a tournament. It's a blueprint for esports in Asia's future. With its focus on excellence, innovation, and fan engagement, Shanghai is set to become the "Global Esports Capital." The excitement for May is building, promising an unforgettable esports weekend.