The Asian Games 2026 is set to be one of the major sporting events in Asia, providing a significant platform for esports. Scheduled to take place in Aichi, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026, the event will feature nearly 71 sports, including 11 esports disciplines.
Participating Countries and Their Esports Teams
A total of 45 nations from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) are expected to participate in the Asian Games 2026. Specifically for esports, 31 countries will send representatives to compete in various game titles. Indonesia is among the countries with the highest esports participation, with its team competing in eight out of the 11 esports categories available.
Esports Competition Schedule
The esports competitions will occur from September 23 to October 2, 2026, at the Aichi Sky Expo, located near Chubu Centrair International Airport in Aichi, Japan. The esports lineup includes popular titles such as League of Legends, Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile, and Pokémon UNITE.
Details on Esports Categories
The Competitive Martial Arts category will showcase three fighting games: Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and The King of Fighters XV. These titles will be part of a single competition for medals. Indonesia's representation in eight esports categories places it alongside Vietnam, both countries boasting significant participation numbers.
Countries with Notable Esports Participation
Hong Kong leads with representation in 10 out of 11 esports categories, while Malaysia and South Korea are also competing in nine games each. Indonesia’s involvement in eight titles enhances its competitive edge, particularly in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, where it is recognized as a strong force in Southeast Asia's esports ecosystem.
Alongside popular titles, Indonesia will also compete in Honor of Kings, Pokémon UNITE, and Naraka: Bladepoint, indicating the broadening scope of its esports representation on an international level. The inclusion of eFootball, Gran Turismo 7, and Identity V highlights that Indonesia’s participation is not solely focused on MOBA or battle royale games.
As the host, Japan has the opportunity to compete in all esports categories but has opted not to send teams for certain games, including Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Honor of Kings. This decision limits Japan's participation to seven esports categories.
Unique formats for some esports competitions set this event apart from typical tournaments. For instance, in eFootball, each country will have one player for the mobile version and another for the PC version, working together as a team. In fighting games, countries will field one player for each game, combining their results for medal determination.
Overall, 31 countries will participate in the esports segment of the Asian Games 2026. While nations like Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, and Vietnam have strong esports presences, others will compete in just one category. Cambodia, Laos, and Syria are among the countries with the fewest participants, each entering only one event.
This tournament presents a vital opportunity for the growth of esports in Asia. It not only features established esports nations but also includes those in various stages of competitive development. For Indonesia, competing in eight events solidifies its status as a key player in the Southeast Asian esports landscape.
The esports competitions at the Asian Games 2026 will run from September 23 to October 2, concluding just before the entire Asian Games event wraps up on October 4.
Source: https://www.esports.id/read/asian-games-2026-hadirkan-11-nomor-esports-ini-jadwal-lengkap-dan-negara-yang-berpartisipasi-19255
