As soon as the blueprint for the National Championship's tournament format was announced, it was like a drop of cold water hitting a pan of boiling oil; the player community completely exploded. Online qualifiers, city championships, regional breakthroughs, and the offline final thirty-two... a clear yet ruthless ladder to godhood was laid out before every player with a dream. On the official forums and various gaming communities, discussions about team formation, tactics, and longings for the final stage were being refreshed every second.
However, inside Riot Games, the tense atmosphere did not ease with the announcement of the tournament format; instead, it became even more solemn. This was because the most crucial and symbolic part of the format—the venue for the National Grand Finals—had not yet been finalized. This final piece of the puzzle would directly determine the scale and influence of the event, as well as its positioning in the eyes of the public.
The core project meeting was convened once again, with an atmosphere even more serious than when discussing the tournament format. On the massive projection screen, information about well-known venues in several candidate cities was listed.
Zhao Dong, the head of tournament operations, reported first: "President Qin, everyone. We have made preliminary contact with venues in several first-tier cities. The ten-thousand-seat stadium in Shanghai has a tight schedule and has reservations about hosting an 'electronic game' event; the new gymnasium in Guangzhou has good hardware, but its geographical location is relatively far south, making its reach to national players and audiences slightly weaker; as for some large convention centers, while they have enough space, they lack the sense of ritual found in sports competitions and feel more like a large exhibition."
Each choice seemed to have its own pros and cons, but also obvious shortcomings. A sense of anxiety permeated the meeting room. For this highly anticipated first National Championship, the venue for the Grand Finals could not be a compromise.
Qin Feng's fingers unconsciously tapped the table, his gaze sweeping over the photos of modern venues on the screen, finally stopping on a photo of a building that felt aged yet magnificent—the Capital Gymnasium.
"Have we contacted this place?" Qin Feng's voice broke the silence.
Everyone was stunned. The Capital Gymnasium? That was a place that had hosted countless major national sports events and cultural celebrations. It was one of the landmarks of Chinese sports, symbolizing authority, history, and the highest standards. At this time, esports was still viewed as "fringe" entertainment in the mainstream view; holding a gaming competition in such a temple-level venue would be far more difficult and symbolic than any other choice.
Xiao Zhang was the first to express concern: "President Qin, the approval process for the Capital Gymnasium is extremely strict, and... the costs will be very high. More importantly, in terms of social public opinion, it might trigger some... controversy." His subtext was clear: would holding a game competition in such a solemn and traditional place be criticized as "defiling the temple"?
"Controversy?" Qin Feng raised an eyebrow slightly, but his tone was exceptionally firm. "Are we not doing a competition? The sweat the players put in, the teamwork they display, and the glory of victory they pursue—how is that fundamentally different from traditional sports? If we don't even dare to place esports on the highest stage, how can we expect society and the public to give it equal respect?"
He stood up, walked to the screen, and pointed at the photo of the Capital Gymnasium, his eyes burning bright. "I want to choose this place! Not only will we hold it here, but we will also do it beautifully, so everyone can see that esports is worthy of such a stage! This will not just be a match; it will be a vindication! A declaration to ourselves and to the entire society that the era of esports has arrived!"
Qin Feng's words carried an unquestionable decisiveness, instantly igniting the pride in the team's hearts. Indeed, if they were to pioneer an era, why not choose the highest starting point?
"As for the approval and costs," Qin Feng looked at Xiao Zhang and Zhao Dong, "do your best to communicate and fight for it. We can submit a detailed tournament plan, security protocols, and impact assessment reports to explain the huge potential and positive value of esports as an emerging sports project to the relevant departments. Regarding costs, we can increase the initial investment; what we want is a strategic brand elevation and a historical breakthrough."
The boss's determination was the direction of the entire company. Over the next few weeks, Riot Games' external cooperation team went into full gear. They prepared hundreds of pages of application materials, detailing the game philosophy of league of legends, the spirit of fair competition, the massive user base, and the significance of the National Championship for promoting the development of digital sports. Qin Feng even personally participated in several key communication meetings, using his background resources as a second-generation rich and his persuasive personal charm to paint a picture of the future of the esports industry for the heads of the relevant departments.
The process was not smooth sailing. Doubts, concerns, tedious procedures... layer upon layer of obstacles stood in the way. But under the team's tireless efforts and Qin Feng's firm will, a turning point finally appeared. On one hand, the high popularity and positive community image of league of legends played a role; on the other hand, the relevant departments also saw the development trend of the emerging digital cultural industry and its huge influence on the younger generation.
Finally, after multi-party mediation and strict evaluation, Riot Games successfully obtained the usage rights for the Capital Gymnasium for a specific time slot!
When the news reached the company, all of Riot Games erupted in joy! This was not just about securing a venue; it was about breaking through an invisible Bulwark, winning an unprecedented official endorsement and social recognition for esports!
"Great! The Capital Gymnasium! We're really going to hold the Grand Finals there!" Chen Ran's face was flushed with excitement, and she had already begun to conceive how the stage art design would blend with this historical venue.
"The technical team guarantees the mission's success!" Li Ming rubbed his hands together. "We want the national audience to see the most stable and clearest match signal!"
Qin Feng looked at the cheering team, a gratified smile appearing on his face. He issued instructions in a deep voice: "Release the official announcement immediately! Also, Zhao Dong, you are responsible for coordination. The regional matches and the rounds of thirty-two to sixteen, and sixteen to eight, can be held in professional indoor venues in other first-tier cities, but ensure the specifications and experience are top-notch. As for the final four and the Grand Finals, they will be settled at the Capital Gymnasium!"
Soon, the official league of legends account released a bombshell:
[The Grand Finals of the first National City Hero Championship will be held at the Capital Gymnasium!]
The announcement detailed that matches from the round of thirty-two to the round of eight would be held in professional indoor venues in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other places, while the semi-finals and Grand Finals, which would determine the winner of the million-yuan prize, would take place in the Capital Gymnasium, witnessed by thousands of spectators in an ultimate showdown!
This announcement pushed the heat of the tournament to a new peak once again!
"The Capital Gymnasium?! Am I seeing this right?"
"The officials are awesome! (Voice cracking)"
"This prestige! It's just incredible!"
"esports is really standing up!"
"Brothers, charge! To play a match in the Capital Gymnasium!"
The players' excitement was beyond words. The name 'Capital Gymnasium' gave this game tournament an indescribable sense of solemnity and historical mission. Being able to compete there would be the supreme glory of a professional career for any participating team.
The finalization of the venue was like building the most solid and dazzling ultimate stage for this esports storm sweeping the country. All eyes and all efforts were now converging toward that temple symbolizing glory and dreams.
The scroll for the battle at the Forbidden City Peak had already been unfurled.