TL;DR
- EDG’s Shanghai International NCC & Esports Center represents a $1.5B investment – the largest in esports history
- The complex features Asia’s deepest diving range and largest indoor skydiving facility with 10,000 daily capacity
- Sustainable design includes solar power and green roof technology for environmental efficiency
- Strategic roster additions and coaching changes position EDG for 2021 competitive success
- The LPL’s international dominance continues with recent world championship victories
Shanghai-based esports powerhouse EDward Gaming has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a massive entertainment complex and theme park, marking a significant milestone in the professional gaming industry’s expansion.
EDG establishes unprecedented financial benchmarks with the development of Shanghai International NCC & Esports Center, allocating approximately 10.2 billion yuan ($1.5 billion USD) as initial capital – the single largest investment ever recorded in competitive gaming infrastructure.
This state-of-the-art facility will serve dual purposes as EDG’s primary competitive arena and corporate headquarters, joining an elite group of LPL franchises including LGD Gaming, Oh My God, JD Gaming, LNG Esports, Team WE, and Royal Never Give Up that operate dedicated home venues.
The complex will boast extraordinary recreational amenities including Asia’s most profound aquatic diving facility and the continent’s largest indoor vertical wind tunnel for simulated skydiving experiences. Daily operational capacity accommodates up to 10,000 guests, supported by luxury five-star accommodations with dedicated esports themes.
Initial architectural renderings reveal comprehensive sustainability initiatives, with solar energy systems serving as the primary power source. Advanced environmental controls incorporate rooftop gardens and perimeter vegetation to maintain optimal air quality and thermal regulation throughout the facility. Project completion timeline remains flexible to ensure construction quality standards.
During the venue construction phase, EDG competitors will utilize Hongqiao World IE Hub as their temporary Shanghai base. The team resumes LPL Spring Split competition on January 9, 2021, commencing with a strategic matchup against OMG.
The new arena represents just one component of EDG’s comprehensive 2021 transformation strategy. Significant roster enhancements include acquiring former T1 substitute mid laner Kim “Gori” Tae-woo and ex-Griffin marksman Park “Viper” Do-hyeon. Additionally, previous head coach Ming “Clearlove” Kai transitions back to active competitive duty in the jungler position.
Is the LPL better than LCK?
Recent international tournament results strongly favor China’s LPL over Korea’s LCK in regional supremacy debates. The 2018 competitive season saw RNG secure the Mid-Season Invitational championship while Invictus Gaming claimed the World Championship title. FunPlus Phoenix continued the regional dominance by retaining the world championship trophy in 2019. Due to MSI cancellation in 2020, the LPL received an additional qualification slot for Worlds, granting four positions compared to LCK’s three. Following DAMWON Gaming’s 2020 Worlds victory, discussions around LCK resurgence have emerged, though many analysts maintain the LPL possesses greater competitive depth. The 2021 season may ultimately determine definitive regional hierarchy.
What region is the LPL?
The League of Legends Pro League, commonly abbreviated as LPL, functions as China’s premier professional League of Legends tournament circuit.
Who won the LPL?
Top Esports and JD Gaming dominated China’s competitive landscape, facing each other in both seasonal championship finals. JD Gaming emerged victorious during the 2020 spring split competition. Top Esports countered with a decisive victory in the subsequent 2020 summer split, reclaiming the championship title.
Action Checklist
- Monitor construction progress updates through EDG’s official social media channels
- Follow LPL 2021 Spring Split to evaluate EDG’s new roster performance
- Research sustainable esports facility design principles for comparison
- Compare EDG’s investment against other major esports infrastructure projects
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