Hearthstone esports to feature at 2022 Asian Games as an actual medal event cover image

Hearthstone esports to feature at 2022 Asian Games as an actual medal event

Hearthstone is one of the officially listed esports medal events in the 2022 Asian Games.

The esports scene continues to grow as Hearthstone has become one of the officially listed events in the 2022 Asian Games. A total of 8 esports titles will grace the competition, which will culminate in a LAN Finals in Hangzhou, China, from September 10th to 25th 2022.

Players who wish to take part in the 2022 Asian Games as a Hearthstone competitor can register with their National Olympic Committee. They have until Dec. 31 to do this. 

Esports have previously featured at the 2018 Asian Games, but only as a demonstration sport. This time around it is classed as an official event. Yes, that means medals will be won.

Fractured in Alterac Valley key art from Hearthstone's latest expansion. Image via Blizzard Entertainment.
Fractured in Alterac Valley key art from Hearthstone's latest expansion. Image via Blizzard Entertainment.

How to sign up for the 2022 Asian Games

Here's how players can sign up for the upcoming event:

  • Step 1: Confirm the country you represent based on nationality.
  • Step 2: Contact your National Olympic Committee. 
  • Step 3: Provide your basic information and Hearthstone experience to the National Olympic Committee.
  • Step 4: Wait for the notification from your National Olympic Committee. 

“In case that Hearthstone players who have Asian nationality do not know this yet, Hearthstone has already become an official event of 2022 Asian Games,” China's Hearthstone Esports Manager Tony Liu wrote on Twitter. “Players can contact the NOC in their respective country to sign up.” 

Liu then added a link to the list of National Olympic Committees. 

Esports will debut as an official medal sport in Hangzhou, China. Image via the Olympic Council of Asia.
Esports will debut as an official medal sport in Hangzhou, China. Image via the Olympic Council of Asia.

Hearthstone esports becomes a medal event

Hearthstone is not the only game to make it on the 2022 Asian Games list. Back in September, several other games were announced alongside it. According to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), these games include the following:

  • Arena of Valor, Asian Games version
  • Dota 2
  • Dream Three Kingdoms 2
  • EA Sports FIFA branded soccer games
  • Hearthstone
  • League of Legends
  • PUBG Mobile, Asian Games version
  • Street Fighter V
Drek’Thar and Vanndar Stormpike cards from the Fractured in Alterac Valley expansion. Image via Blizzard Entertainment.
Drek’Thar and Vanndar Stormpike cards from the Fractured in Alterac Valley expansion. Image via Blizzard Entertainment.

“I believe we have ticked all the right boxes ensuring a high level of competition which promises great viewing for enthusiasts and casuals alike,” said OCA Director General Husain Al-Musallam.

Al-Musallam added that the OCA looks forward to working with the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee and Asian Electronic Sports Federation to ensure the success of the esports event.