Hero Esports to Host Second Asian Champions League in Shanghai

Hero Esports, previously known as VSPO, has unveiled the second edition of the Asian Champions League (ACL), set to take place in Shanghai from May 1-24. This year’s event will showcase Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, boasting a total prize pool of $365,000. Additionally, it will act as a qualifying event for the 2026 Esports World Cup (EWC) across all three games.

The Dota 2 playoffs will occur offline from May 1-3, featuring a prize pool of $90,000 and one direct qualification slot for the EWC. Four Chinese teams—XG, YG, VG, and Refuser—will battle it out in the tournament. If XG, which has already secured a spot for the EWC, wins the ACL, the qualification slot will be awarded to the runner-up.

The CS2 segment will offer a $150,000 prize pool along with one qualifying spot for the EWC.

In the MLBB competition, teams from China, Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia will vie for a $125,000 prize pool. This tournament will grant one direct slot and three wildcard entries to the EWC MLBB competition.

On the commercial front, gaming chair manufacturer AutoFull and hardware brand ZOWIE have entered into strategic partnerships with the ACL, providing professional esports furniture and equipment for the event. Jin Jiang International Group will continue its collaboration with ACL to manage player and team logistics, including accommodations, transportation, shuttle services, and catering.