Vietnam is the inaugural host of the SEA Esports Nations Cup (SNC), the first national-level esports championship owned and developed by the Southeast Asian Esports Federation (SEAEF). The tournament is initiated by VNGGames in collaboration with SEAEF and the Vietnam Recreational Esports Association (VIRESA). The SNC will commence on 8/5 as part of Vietnam GameVerse 2026, the leading annual event for Vietnam's gaming industry, running from 8-9/5. According to VIRESA, the tournament marks a significant milestone in shaping Southeast Asian esports as a structured common space with a distinct identity and international voice.

Esports is no longer a niche entertainment. In Southeast Asia, esports awareness reaches 94%, surpassing Europe's 85%, according to global consulting firm IMARC. The global esports market is projected to generate 3 billion USD in revenue by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 19%, as reported by ASO World. Specifically, the Southeast Asian region is expected to achieve 77,4 million USD in revenue in 2025, with a forecast to increase to 154,9 million USD by 2034, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate of 7,62%.

MGN Vikings Esports team competing at the LCP 2025 tournament. Photo: LCP

In Vietnam, approximately 28,2 million people participate in electronic entertainment activities, accounting for nearly 30% of the population, according to Statista. Domestic esports revenue is also projected to reach 10 million USD by 2030. While these figures remain modest, analyses indicate that the growth rate and user base suggest significant potential for Vietnamese esports.

Beyond entertainment, esports generates a broad economic value chain, encompassing streaming, marketing, advertising, event organization, cultural promotion, and professional athlete training. Societal perception is also shifting as esports has been officially included in various SEA Games and ASIAD events, securing gold medals for the Vietnamese sports delegation.

Despite this growth, Southeast Asian esports lacks a continuous, structured, and standardized national competition system, a hallmark of mature sports. National teams primarily compete at the SEA Games or global tournaments, which often feature top-tier players from countries like China or South Korea, who possess superior skill levels.

The SNC was launched to address this gap. In its inaugural season, the SNC will feature four titles across six medal events: PUBG Mobile, Teamfight Tactics, Crossfire Legends, and Total Football VNG. The organizers have committed to making SNC an annual event integrated with GameVerse, with VNGGames continuing its role as co-organizer in subsequent seasons. This initiative aims to establish a regular regional platform for Southeast Asian teams.

La Xuan Thang, Online Game Publishing Director at VNGGames, stated, "The SNC is the starting point for a professional and sustainable regional esports ecosystem. It sets the foundation for Vietnamese esports to develop in a mainstream, professional manner and create lasting economic value."

A VIRESA representative emphasized that the journey to professionalize esports cannot rely solely on regulatory bodies or associations. Businesses are crucial operational links, from organizing tournaments and fostering community growth to connecting with international competition systems.

The Vietnam Championship Series 2024 finals. Photo: VCS

VNGGames currently operates numerous domestic professional tournaments, including the PUBG Mobile National Championship, PMPL VN Spring 2026, and the Vietnam Championship Series (VCS). Additionally, it has maintained three consecutive World Championship Viewing Parties. These activities help cultivate the habit of viewing esports as a legitimate sport. The SNC represents the next step in VNGGames' strategy: not only building a domestic ecosystem but also positioning Vietnam proactively within the regional esports landscape, thereby creating opportunities to harness the economic, cultural, and national image values that esports offers.

Tung Anh