Johan van Dyk

A foreign businessman with a penchant for esports has been impressed by its development in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, with his enthusiasm boosted by the upcoming Asian Games.

The popularity of esports in China has been increasing since it was listed as an official sport to be contested at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou.

"When it comes to esports, my passion for all types of video games runs deep, from retro classics like Pac-Man, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Street Fighter to modern VR games with ever-evolving hardware," Johan van Dyk, an esports enthusiast and businessman from South Africa, told China Daily.

Van Dyk is engaged in foreign business at the International Talent Center in Xiaoshan district, Hangzhou.

"Among the games, I play Call of Duty, Rocket League, Overwatch, Apex Legends, and FIFA regularly with my friends in China. These games are an integral part of our competitive culture, constantly pushing us to best each other and have a great time together," said Van Dyk.

He is also a big fan of Hangzhou Spark, the team representing Hangzhou in the Overwatch League, which was founded in 2018.

"I remember Hangzhou Spark became quite popular around the time when I moved to Hangzhou in 2019. I used to joke with my fiancee by saying that I will be the first foreigner on their team," Van Dyk told China Daily, adding that he was impressed by the team's logo, which looks like an emoji.

"The team's representative colors are nice too. The colors of bright pink and blue remind me of the sunset in Hangzhou, especially around the West Lake area," Van Dyk added.

Van Dyk said video games have been an integral part of his life since he was very young, even though esports infrastructure in South Africa was weak.

"I vividly remember my father introducing me to my first game on the Famicom Nintendo device, Contra, in 1987. The graphics and gameplay back then were vastly different from today's standards, but those moments spent with my dad or my brothers, huddled around a tiny control device and screen, are some of my fondest memories from my formative years," Van Dyk recalled.

"Lately, I've been reflecting on these cherished memories as I eagerly anticipate attending my first international esports event right here in Hangzhou, my second home."

His enthusiasm for sports was largely inspired by his friends and family members who excel in traditional sports in South Africa. It includes his cousin who recently achieved a remarkable milestone by participating in the World Aquatics Championships in Japan, his good friend who specializes in sprinting, and a family member who has achieved great results in the 100m hurdles.

"While esports may still be on the rise in South Africa, I am proud of witnessing their achievements in the traditional sports arena," Van Dyk said proudly, as these talented individuals represent the spirit of perseverance, hard work and excellence in the world of sports.

"I'm thrilled about the upcoming Asian Games and the incredible atmosphere it will bring with international fans coming together to celebrate sports and competition.

"I'm looking forward to the entire experience of attending the Asian Games, from the opening ceremony to the thrilling matches and the cultural exchanges that will take place. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I plan to cherish every moment and soak in the spirit of sportsmanship and global unity," he said.

Besides esports, Van Dyk is looking forward to watching soccer matches, boxing fights, gymnastics, tennis, jujitsu and rugby during the upcoming Asian Games.

"As for jujitsu, it's a martial art that always intrigues me, and witnessing the practitioners' expertise in combat will be a unique experience," he said. "As a rugby fan, I can't miss the opportunity to watch this sport at the Asian Games. My country has a strong rugby tradition, and I'm excited to cheer on our team as they compete on the international stage."

Van Dyk said that efforts will be made by his company, together with local governments and organizations, such as holding various cultural exchange activities and sports activities for foreign people from all over the world, to allow them to interact with local people and experience the city's distinctive features, especially in Xiaoshan district.

"This could showcase traditional performances, exhibitions of local crafts and art, and enlighten visitors about Xiaoshan's rich history and cultural heritage," he said.

The Continental Corporation, where Van Dyk works as an operations officer, is a business group specializing in international trade, international consultancy, innovation, training and technological advances. Founded in 2014, the company is headquartered in Xiaoshan, with branches in Brazil and Hong Kong. It bridges trade between Brazil, China and other countries in the world.

Van Dyk said his company has assisted several companies by connecting them with relevant people in China and providing consultancy-based solutions.

"I take pride in the success stories of my past ventures, such as sourcing suppliers for rugby equipment for Portugal, facilitating a sponsorship connection between a Scottish football team and a Chinese company, and aiding a Brazilian football team in developing courses for a Chinese education platform," Van Dyk added.

Fang Xiaoying in Hangzhou contributed to this story.