On Jan 23, the battle for third and fourth place in the "King of Kings" championship match of the Village Basketball Association (VBA) unfolded in Qiandongnan, Guizhou province. The tournament is a prelude to the 2025 VBA season.

"Watching the game live is much more exciting than watching it on the phone," said Mr. Huang, who drove more than one hour with his wife and children to cheer for the participating teams.

The event featured additional matches, a mountain concert for Chinese New Year, VR activities and shopping opportunities, attracting numerous tourists and basketball fans from all over the country.

Awards were given out to fans during the opening ceremony, including for best live streamer and best audience member.

In addition, the global premiere of the documentary Game On: Hoops and Dreams in Rural China was held.

Dong Xianwu contributed to this story.