From 11/5 to 14/6, the capital's esports community can experience unique competitive spaces directly within the urban railway system. The "Hanoi Metro Esports 2026 - One Touch, Many Moments" week, organized by Visa in collaboration with Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), FPT Online, and Hanoi Metro, focuses on live esports competitions held at various stations.

Young people collect verification stamps on the mission map at Le Duc Tho station. Photo: Long Vu

A highlight of the event was the VMC Queens Open 2026 final, held on 29/5 at Cat Linh station. This esports arena, designed exclusively for women, fosters a competitive environment while celebrating female talent and resilience in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Before the final, passengers at Vietnam National University Hanoi station could participate in 1:1 competitive matches at experience booths. The esports atmosphere also spread to other stations through interactive minigames like "smash the general card" and "find the coordinates."

To enhance community engagement, organizers arranged cosplay characters to move randomly on train carriages. Fans had the chance to interact directly with characters from the virtual world, alongside popular young influencers like Ha Vi, Zia, and Hwi, through an ambassador hunting activity.

Cosplayer Ha Vi participates in the KOL hunting activity on the first day at Cau Giay station. Photo: Long Vu

Beyond the competitive space, Hanoi Metro Esports Week 2026 offers a cultural journey combining technology along the Nho – Hanoi metro line. Organizers transformed stations into technology hubs through the "Hanoi Metro Quest" program. This game takes place at four main stations: Cau Giay, Vietnam National University Hanoi, Chua Ha, and Le Duc Tho. Participating passengers receive an event passport to complete missions, collect stamps, and redeem gifts.

At each stop, the event identity features a mixed media design style, harmoniously blending modern elements with traditional culture. The design team skillfully localized MLBB game characters to reflect the unique characteristics of each area. Visitors can see iconic Pho Ngo cuisine at Cau Giay station, the bustling atmosphere of Nha Xanh market at Vietnam National University Hanoi station, the traditional love prayer culture at Chua Ha station, or the studious spirit of Phu My village at Le Duc Tho station.

Verification stamp on the mission map at Le Duc Tho station. Photo: Long Vu

Leveraging the appeal of esports and cultural elements, Visa aims to promote cashless payment habits and encourage a green commuting lifestyle. Dang Tuyet Dung, Director of Visa Vietnam and Laos, stated that integrating entertainment privileges with card swipes for train tickets will help young people quickly recognize the convenience of digital financial solutions. The brand seeks to position itself not merely as a payment tool, but as an essential piece in the lifestyle of modern urban citizens.

To further clarify this direction, organizers will hold a panel discussion titled "One journey, two perspectives" during the summary event on 29/5. The program gathers multidisciplinary speakers, including historian Duong Trung Quoc, Dang Tuyet Dung, a Hanoi Metro representative, and content creator Ha Vi.

The discussion explores the intersection of old and new Hanoi. Duong Trung Quoc will analyze the transformation of the capital's transportation methods, while technology experts will examine how the Metro system and one-touch payments redefine the urban rhythm.

A music night featuring singer My My concludes the month-long series of sports and technology events. The program hopes to create a solid foundation for units to continue innovating new experiences, accelerating digital transformation, and moving Hanoi towards a sustainable smart city model.

Thanh Thu