Xiaohai wins world title at the 2024 Esports World Cup Street Fighter finals held in Saudi Arabia in July. Photo: Courtesy of Xiaohai

At the recent 2024 Esports World Cup Street Fighter finals held in Saudi Arabia, China's fighting game icon, 35-year-old Zeng Zhuojun, also known as Xiaohai, claimed the world championship by defeating a Japanese player 5-2.

He is a gaming prodigy. In 2007, Zeng made history by winning the prestigious Super Battle Opera (SBO) King of Fighters 98 championship in Tokyo, becoming the first Chinese player to claim a world title in fighting games, breaking Japan's long-standing dominance in the genre. This victory catapulted Zeng into the global spotlight.

Today, Zeng's role has evolved from a teenager sweeping tournaments to a mentor in the esports industry. He now stands as a member of China's Esports Hall of Fame and dedicates himself to mentoring the next generation of esports players.

"With the rapid growth of the global esports industry, esports has transformed from a niche pastime into a mainstream international competition, on par with other major sports, drawing millions of viewers worldwide," Zeng told the Global Times.

Largest market

Born in southern China's Guangdong Province, Xiaohai was first introduced to fighting games at the age of 6 when his father took him to arcades to develop his hobbies. By 9, his natural talent made him a well-known figure in local arcade halls. 

"Initially, people didn't know my name, and because I was so young, they started calling me 'Xiaohai,' meaning 'little kid' in Chinese. That nickname has stuck with me ever since," Zeng recalled.

As Zeng continued to win both domestic and international tournaments, his performance in global fighting esports not only secured his reputation on the international stage but also served as a significant milestone for Chinese gaming culture. Beyond individual success, Zeng's achievements have brought international recognition to China's gaming prowess.

In the first half of 2024, the total revenue of China's esports industry reached 12.027 billion yuan ($1.7 billion), a year-on-year increase of 4.43 percent. The actual sales revenue of China's e-sports game market was 69.143 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.24 percent. Today China ranks first in the world in terms of output value, number of users, and development speed, and has become the world's largest e-sports market, the 21st Century Business Herald reported in September. 

As the internationalization of China's esports industry accelerates, Zeng believes that while showcasing Chinese cultural elements in games, such as the Street Fighter character Chun-Li, is valuable, it is equally impactful for Chinese players to achieve success in international competitions. These victories can elevate China's influence and cultural recognition in the global gaming arena.

"Many international games feature Chinese elements, but if we want games to carry our culture globally, I'd like to see Chinese players winning on the world stage," Zeng told the Global Times. "A victory in a major tournament not only boosts China's presence in esports but also inspires overseas fans to take an interest in Chinese esports." 

In July, the International Olympic Committee announced plans to collaborate with the Saudi Olympic Committee to host the first Olympic Esports Games in 2025.

"My next goal is to win an Olympic gold medal, and I hope more domestic players will have the opportunity to represent the strength of Chinese esports on the global stage," Zeng said.

Xiaohai wins world title at the 2024 Esports World Cup Street Fighter finals held in Saudi Arabia in July. Photo: Courtesy of Xiaohai

Global solidarity

Zeng firmly believes that the influence of esports extends far beyond the gaming industry, noting that it can act as a powerful force for global cultural exchange.

During the Thaiger Uppercut Tekken World Tour 2024 in October, Chinese player XCC faced a controversial disqualification due to issues related to China's exclusion from the list of eligible countries under Tekken World Tour 2024 regulations, igniting widespread backlash. The organizers later apologized and updated tournament rules to welcome Chinese players.

"In this incident, I saw not only Chinese gamers supporting XCC but also many foreign gamers and bloggers standing up for him," Zeng said.

"This global solidarity reflects the core of esports spirit — the love for the game and the pursuit of fairness can transcend borders and cultural differences," Zeng continued. "It is not just about national pride or individual achievements, but about a shared passion that unites players from around the world.'' 

"When people from different countries come together to support a fellow competitor, it shows that the true essence of esports lies in its ability to break down barriers and foster a sense of community and respect across the globe. This is the power of esports — to bring people together in ways that few other activities can," he noted.

Zeng recalls his collaboration with MenaRD, a player from the Dominican Republic, despite never meeting or interacting before their match, they quickly bonded during the tournament and won the championship. This experience of building trust and improving with international players has left a lasting impression on Zeng, highlighting the inclusive and connective nature of the esports community.

"Players' passion and pursuit of excellence form the foundation of esports culture. Every match, regardless of the outcome, is an opportunity to showcase teamwork, personal resilience, and sportsmanship, allowing spectators and players from different countries to experience the universal values of competitive sports," Zeng said.

"I often train, dine, and converse with international players from various countries. The beauty of esports is that it turns global competition into an opportunity to learn from one another, build friendships, and create lasting connections across borders," he added.