A global community

Coming from Dominica, and having been playing Street Fighter for 15 years, this was Mena's first visit to Shanghai, which he described as an "amazing and special experience".

He was especially happy about, and impressed by, the big crowd of "strong players" and enthusiastic fans coming from across Asia.

"It is amazing and special to see so many fans, and how active people are here. I am very good friends with Xiao Hai. Although we don't speak the same language, through the shared language of the game, we have connected so much. It's so beautiful to see people having a conversation with others through the game," he says.

Japanese player Taniguchi, who finished top in the Street Fighter 6 final, was also swarmed by fans looking for autographs and taking photos. He highlighted the fantastic festive atmosphere at DreamHack where everyone — whether professional or amateur — could sign up to compete and communicate with each other in the game.

"It is a big event, and I enjoyed it very much. The competition is important, though I do appreciate the opportunity to communicate with fans and meet each other. In fighting games, it is interesting and amazing to feel and see players' personality and life experiences reflected in their play," Taniguchi said.

A 43-year-old player surnamed Xue from Shanghai is a regular Street Fighter player who made the impromptu decision to register for the competition for fun.

He said such gatherings made him nostalgic for the time in his childhood, where crowds usually gathered behind players, cheered for a good play and enjoyed the game together.

"As a Shanghai native, and an older player, I am extremely glad and excited to see our city host such a big event," he said.

"Although online games are becoming more common nowadays, playing together offline is always captivating and fun.

"That's why I came to support this event, and I hope we can have more gatherings like this," Xue explained.

"I think the purest essence of esports is the happiness it brings to players and fans. It allows us fit into one community quickly and happily, and that feels so good," said Nie Dingyuan, or "Sheltie" from Team Falcons, winner of the Teamfight Tactics event at ACL.

Liang Jiazheng, or "Hong Lian", another renowned Teamfight Tactics player who failed to make to the final, was cheering for Nie by the stage. He explained that players are actually always exchanging ideas and experiences with each other, regardless of team, club or regional affiliation, as they share the same goals.

"The world is wide. Taking esports as the bond, we appreciate the chance to transcend national boundaries to see the world, talk to overseas teams, experience different cultures," said Hu Zhuanghao, or "JiuZhe", coach of Talent Gaming, the winner of ACL's Honor of Kings tournament.