Cut Off by War, Plugged Into the World: How Iran Won Esports Gold in Nagoya
Iran's esports athletes endured blackouts, an 88-day internet shutdown and war to reach Nagoya — and came home with the country's first Asian Games esports gold.
Elizabeth Zhang
Elizabeth Zhang approaches virtual sports with an explorer’s curiosity and a reporter’s notebook. Moving between games, esports and sport, she looks for stories on ground that is still being mapped. She has a soft spot for anything interesting—and a question that keeps her going: where will we find the next great way to play?
Latest reporting
NEST and Beijing International Esports Week finals conclude in Beijing
The 25–27 September finals featured virtual cycling, virtual rowing, Honor of Kings and Delta Force. A parallel university cycling event brought together 72 competitors from 18 institutions.
How Virtual Sports Are Widening the Talent Pathway for Traditional Sports
Virtual sports are giving traditional sports a broader, data-driven route for participation and talent identification.
Kuwait to host inaugural Asian Esports and Mind Sports Games in 2027
A hosting agreement signed in Nagoya confirms Kuwait as the inaugural host. The Philippines has also proposed staging the second edition in Manila in 2029, with that bid awaiting further discussion.
Virtual taekwondo prepares for its Asian Games medal debut
A single mixed-gender title at Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will put VR combat, motion tracking and a new set of competitive skills on the Asian Games stage.