What Games Will be Played in the 2026 Asian Games by The Olympic Council of Asia
What are the 2026 Asian Games?
The 2026 Asian Games, officially known as Aichi-Nagoya 2026 and marking the 20th edition of this prestigious event, are set to transform Japan’s Aichi Prefecture into a vibrant sports arena from 19 September to 4 October 2026. Centered in Nagoya—making it the third Japanese city to host the Games after Tokyo and Hiroshima—this multi-sport extravaganza is expected to draw athletes from 45 nations, competing across an impressive slate of 42 sports. With the inspiring motto "Imagine One Asia," the event not only celebrates athletic excellence but also embodies a spirit of unity and shared passion across the continent. Originally confirmed through a collaborative bid in 2016, these Games are poised to reinvigorate the traditional four-year cycle, promising memorable performances and cultural synergy on a grand stage.
Esports at the Asian Games
The esports segment of the Asian Games represents the formal recognition of competitive video gaming as a sport on par with more traditional events. Initially introduced as a demonstration sport in Jakarta 2018, esports made its official medal debut at Hangzhou 2023—a landmark moment that validated its growing popularity and legitimacy. Supported by organizations like the Asian Electronic Sports Federation and backed by the Olympic Council of Asia, the inclusion of esports reflects a broader trend of embracing digital culture within mainstream sporting events. This evolving segment not only provides a competitive platform for top-tier gamers across Asia but also symbolizes the fusion of technology, entertainment, and athleticism on an international stage.
What games will be played at the 2026 Asian Games
The esports segment at the 2026 Asian Games is set to feature a broad spectrum of competitive titles across 11 games, spanning a variety of genres—from team-based strategy and fighting to sim racing and sports simulations. While we’ll dive into the specifics of each title later, this diverse lineup underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of competitive gaming, appealing to a wide audience of players and fans alike.
These games were selected by a dedicated title selection task force that evaluated each candidate based on competitive integrity, regional popularity, and their ability to engage audiences both live and online. Notably, a significant portion of the lineup comes from developers and companies rooted in Asia or owned by Asian entities. This not only highlights the region’s influential role in shaping the esports landscape but also reinforces the Asian Games’ commitment to celebrating homegrown innovation alongside global competition.
Below is a list of the games that will be played in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan:
- Pokemon Unite – MOBA
- Honor of Kings – MOBA
- League of Legends (Asian Games Version) – MOBA
- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang – MOBA
- Dreams Three Kingdoms – MOBA
- PUBG (Asian Games Version) – Battle Royale / Shooter
- NARAKA: Bladepoint – Battle Royale / Shooter
- Street Fighter 6 – Fighting
- Gran Turismo 7 – Racing
- eFootball Series – Sports Simulation
- Puyo Puyo Champions – Puzzle
Note: Games labeled as "Asian Games Version" have been adapted to meet the event’s guidelines and local cultural sensibilities. For example, the League of Legends version features culturally sensitive splash art, localized voiceovers, and toned-down content, while the PUBG version transforms the standard battle royale into a violence-free, cross-country shooting challenge with driving segments.
Conclusion
In summary, the esports segment at the 2026 Asian Games promises to be a groundbreaking showcase of competitive gaming, featuring 11 diverse titles across genres—from strategic MOBAs and innovative shooters to dynamic fighting, realistic racing, and engaging sports simulations. This carefully curated lineup, which emphasizes homegrown innovation and regional appeal, underscores the growing integration of esports into traditional sporting events.
For fans eager to catch every moment of the digital battles, there are multiple ways to tune in. The competitions will be available for live streaming on the official Asian Games website, and you'll also be able to follow the action on major platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Keep an eye on the official social media channels and broadcast partners for up-to-date schedules, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes content. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or a sports enthusiast, the 2026 Asian Games esports events are set to offer an unparalleled viewing experience.
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Patrick Yu is a Senior Project Manager at Level Interactive and has 8 years of experience writing business, legal, lifestyle, gaming, and technology articles. He is a significant contributor to Acer Corner and is currently based in Taipei, Taiwan.
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