A car takes a spill during a video game. [Photo/China Daily]

In recognition of the city’s position as a rising star in the booming pastime, the Nantong E-sports Association was officially established in the coastal city in eastern Jiangsu province on June 18.

Nearly 100 e-sports enthusiasts and government officials attended the founding ceremony. 

Gu Yan, general manager of Wenfeng Dashijie, a Nantong-based retail company, was elected as the association’s chairwoman.

E-sports were listed by the General Administration of Sport of China in 2003 as a professional sport. 

As broadband Internet access and free-to-play games increase, the industry is booming.

At the 18th Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia, e-sports became a highlight with six popular games featured, including League of Legends and Arena of Valor.

As a rising star in the Yangtze River Delta region, Nantong is also home to increasing numbers of e-sports enthusiasts.

The association aims to provide players with a sense of camaraderie and serve as a platform for communications and training.