How EDward Gaming Inspires a New Generation of Esports Athletes in China

Esports has surged in popularity over the past decade, becoming not only a viable career choice but also a cultural phenomenon, particularly in countries like China, where League of Legends (LoL) has firmly entrenched itself as a beloved game and pastime. At the center of this phenomenon is EDward Gaming (EDG), one of China’s most celebrated esports teams. From their meteoric rise in the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) to their crowning victory at the World Championship in 2021, EDG has captured the hearts of millions. Their influence extends beyond the game itself, touching the lives of young Chinese gamers and encouraging them to pursue a career in esports. This article explores how EDG has grown into a cultural icon and examines the broader cultural effects of their success, especially their impact on the new generation of gamers in China.
The Rise of EDward Gaming: A Symbol of Determination and Teamwork
Founded in 2013, EDward Gaming has grown into one of the most successful esports teams in China, renowned for their consistent performances and legendary victories in international tournaments. The team’s triumph at the 2021 World Championship was particularly significant, as it marked China’s return to the pinnacle of competitive League of Legends after a year-long drought. This victory was not just about lifting a trophy; it was a cultural moment that energized millions of Chinese fans, bringing with it a powerful message about hard work, resilience, and dedication. For many fans, EDG’s journey has mirrored the classic underdog story, and their success has been seen as a testament to what can be achieved through tenacity and unity. It was not always smooth sailing for the team, and their story is filled with ups and downs—missed opportunities, heartbreaking losses, and times when even their most ardent supporters doubted their ability to succeed. However, these setbacks have only added to their allure, turning each of their triumphs into moments of pure inspiration.
Their perseverance, bolstered by years of trial and error, and the discipline they showed in both their practice and gameplay have inspired thousands of young Chinese players to consider careers in esports. EDG’s victories are more than just game wins; they represent cultural milestones that signify the power of perseverance and passion in achieving greatness. Moreover, EDG’s players have become celebrities in their own right, with massive fan followings that extend beyond typical gaming audiences. Fans are drawn not only to their skills but also to their personalities, personal struggles, and camaraderie as a team. The community sees their players as relatable, hardworking individuals who have worked their way to the top, and this connection has only helped elevate EDG to a position of influence far beyond the game.
The impact of EDward Gaming’s success is not limited to professional competitions and esports analysts. It has had a profound influence on the daily lives and aspirations of many young Chinese players who see themselves in the shoes of their heroes. This inspiration is visible in gaming cafes, training centers, and online forums, where EDG has become an almost mythical reference point for young enthusiasts hoping to break into the professional scene. For aspiring players like Zhao Wei, a 19-year-old university student, EDG is more than just a team; it’s a symbol of possibility. Zhao, who dreams of becoming a professional esports player, shared his thoughts: “EDG showed me that with the right mindset and enough dedication, it’s possible to go from being just a casual gamer to a world champion. Watching them practice and play with such focus is what drives me to work harder every day.”
This sentiment resonates deeply across China, where societal attitudes towards esports have undergone a remarkable transformation. Traditionally, gaming was seen as a distraction from “serious” pursuits, but EDG’s high-profile success has helped shift perceptions. Today, many young people, inspired by EDG, view gaming as a legitimate path to success—one that, like any other sport, requires discipline, training, and the willingness to overcome setbacks. Parents are beginning to recognize the potential of esports as a career, and EDG has been instrumental in changing this narrative. Another young fan, Wang Lei, who attends a gaming school in Shanghai, highlights how EDG’s emphasis on teamwork resonates with young players: “I learned from EDG that it’s not just about individual skill. It’s about working as a team, trusting your teammates, and playing smart together. EDG’s games are a masterclass in this, and it makes me appreciate the value of communication and cooperation.”
EDG’s impact isn’t only felt by players striving for professional careers but also by those who play for fun. The team’s influence can be seen in fan art, YouTube highlights, cosplay, and even fan fiction that celebrates the personalities of individual players. Their branding—marked by an iconic logo and emotional moments such as Meiko’s tears after their Worlds victory—has left a lasting impression. For many young fans, following EDG is not just about watching them win tournaments but about being part of a community that values perseverance and celebrates the journey as much as the destination.
Interviews with Fans and Young Players Inspired by EDG
To get a better understanding of how EDG has influenced young gamers across China, we conducted interviews with several fans and aspiring players. Lin Yi, a 16-year-old from Chengdu, began following EDG after their spectacular comeback victory against DAMWON Gaming in the 2021 Worlds semifinals. “That series showed me the true meaning of never giving up,” Lin said. “After the first game, I thought it was all over. But then EDG made an incredible comeback. I realized that no matter how bad things look, you always have to keep fighting. I try to bring that attitude not just to my games, but to my studies as well.”
Lin’s story is not unique. Many fans have been drawn to EDG not simply because they win, but because of the way they win—often coming from behind, defying expectations, and demonstrating composure under pressure. The players’ ability to maintain resilience, even during tough situations, has taught young fans that esports is not just about mechanical skills but about mental fortitude and the willingness to adapt. Another aspiring player, Li Hua, aged 21, who is currently part of an amateur team in Guangzhou, told us about how EDG’s success made him consider taking gaming more seriously. “When I saw EDG lift the Summoner’s Cup, it was like a dream. It felt like it was not just their victory, but ours as well—everyone who ever loved gaming in China. My parents used to tell me to stop wasting time on games, but after EDG won, they started to change their perspective. They began to see that there was something bigger here, something that could even be a career.”
Many young players are even choosing to pursue education in gaming schools and esports training programs, which have proliferated in China over the past few years. EDG’s story offers a blueprint for success that is both aspirational and instructive—training rigorously, focusing on teamwork, and always staying committed. These values are now being passed on to the next generation of gamers who are eager to carve their own path in the world of esports.
EDward Gaming’s Legacy and Future Impact
The cultural impact of EDward Gaming in China extends beyond their competitive victories and accolades; they have become an embodiment of resilience, dedication, and the pursuit of passion. Their triumph at the World Championship in 2021 was a defining moment for Chinese esports, marking not just an individual achievement for the team, but also a broader cultural shift in the way gaming is perceived. EDG has inspired a generation of young Chinese gamers to pursue their passion for esports, encouraging them to work hard and believe in themselves even when the odds are against them. Whether through their teamwork, their perseverance in the face of adversity, or their ability to bring together millions of fans from across the country, EDG has established themselves as more than just a team—they are a symbol of hope, possibility, and the power of unity.
For many young fans and aspiring players, EDG’s journey is a roadmap, offering lessons on how to overcome setbacks and pursue one’s dreams with determination. As esports continues to grow in China and around the world, EDward Gaming will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role, both in competition and in the hearts and minds of the next generation of players. Their legacy is being built not just in the games they win, but in the stories they inspire—stories of young people like Zhao Wei, Wang Lei, Lin Yi, and Li Hua, who look to EDG not merely as champions, but as the spark that lights the way towards their own esports dreams.