Over the years, esports has exploded in popularity all over the world, including Hong Kong. Fans are passionate about their favourite games and top teams, while many new companies are created to cater to the roaring demand, such as Talon Esports and ONE Esports, the esports venture of sports media company ONE Championship. In esports, there are several ways that gamers can gather together and compete against each other. For example, they can battle online virtually or go for offline tournaments such as ESL One.

However, planning and organising a large-scale esports tournament is no easy task. There are many potential pitfalls to avoid, or esports organisers could run into costly and frustrating logistics management problems. By being aware of these potential issues, they can take steps to prevent them from happening and ensure a smooth and successful programme.

Here are three common problems to watch out for when planning the next esports event in Hong Kong.

1. Inadequate Software and Systems

In esports tournaments, things happen very quickly. Players initially in the lead can be eliminated just as quickly within the span of a few minutes. When organising an esports tournament or competition, one essential system to cater for is a heartbeating software. This system automatically detects any important moments during the game, such as key victory moments. Announcers will not miss anything and can quickly narrate what happened, allowing spectators to get the most out of the event.

Massive prize pools are also often at stake in esports events. For example, The International 11, Dota’s 2022 Championships had a total prize pool of almost US$ 19 million. It is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure that the prize is won fairly.

From software that mitigate potential Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks on specific players to systems that prevent alteration of in-game chat systems, proper security must be in place to prevent any cheating and ensure that the game goes smoothly.

2. Lack of Back-Up Sporting, Staging, and Broadcast Equipment

Esports event organisers may remember to have the proper software and systems set up for tournaments, however, arranging for back-up systems and equipment might fall lower on their list of priorities.

As esports relies excessively on technical equipment, it is also important to have reliable back-ups so that the event can continue without any interruptions. There are many reasons why back-up equipment is needed. Perhaps the main broadcast system is suddenly down. Maybe a computer part has failed. Or there has been an unplanned outage on stage.

There’s no doubt that esports events have become increasingly popular in recent years, with Hong Kong ranking 63rd position among 152 regions in 2022, as reported by Statista.

Another problem event organisers face is not finding a reliable logistics partner to deliver their esports equipment. Not only must the gears and computers be delivered safely and securely, the delivery must also adhere to the tight deadlines. There's nothing more frustrating than waiting for the late equipment to arrive, especially when you need to urgently set them up for an important tournament. 

DHL Express has always been actively involved in esports and has experience handling the extensive logistics involved in tournaments. As the Official Logistics Partner to ESL, DHL transported nearly 700 tonnes of staging elements, 900 gaming chairs and over 3,500m2 of screens each season to venues all over the world before COVID-19. Once the pandemic struck, DHL and ESL also adapted to the new situation by hosting tournaments fully online. Activations were innovatively transformed into quizzes and games via Twitch to directly engage fans. By providing an innovative solution, the event becomes a much more positive experience for all the players and spectators involved. 

Level up your next esports event

Esports events are becoming more and more popular, but they can also be complex to plan. By understanding the different logistical problems that may arise during an esports event, organisers can take steps to avoid them and ensure a smooth experience for all involved. 

As the world’s leading logistics company, DHL Express has the experience and solutions to help you overcome these challenges and make your next esports event a success. We have the expertise and resources to help you manage every detail of your event, from transport and delivery to customs clearance and storage of the logistics equipment and back-up gear. 

Open a business account with us now to start shipping. Let us take the stress out of your logistics planning so you can focus on putting on the next great show in Hong Kong.