China to Skip League of Legends at 2026 Asian Games

Mainland China will not compete in the League of Legends tournament at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi, Japan, after a reduction in the country’s national delegation, Chinese esports journalist Wang Weichen reported.

The Olympic Council of Asia’s preliminary list of participating teams, released May 29, does not include China on either the direct qualification list or the list of nominated teams. The OCA named Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam as entrants in the League of Legends event.

Wang linked the delegation cut to strained China–Japan relations and noted the decision came from the national delegation rather than Riot Games, the League of Legends Pro League or other game organisations. Chinese esports groups have not received an official public explanation from national authorities.

China has a record of strong results in League of Legends at the Asian Games, winning the gold medal at the 2018 demonstration event in Jakarta and the bronze medal at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games after a semifinal loss to South Korea.

Several other countries will also not take part in the League of Legends competition. Host Japan elected to prioritise other esports titles, Thailand cited budgetary and strategic reasons for its withdrawal, and Indonesia will be absent for a second consecutive Asian Games.

Chinese officials are still planning to enter teams in other esports events at the Aichi Games, including the Asian Games versions of Honor of Kings/Arena of Valor, PUBG Mobile variants and Identity V, according to Wang.

The League of Legends tournament is scheduled for Sept. 23 to Oct. 2, 2026, at Aichi Sky Expo in Aichi Prefecture. It is one of 11 official medal esports events on the Asian Games program.