Esports in Việt Nam have grown rapidly in recent years, with local teams increasingly making their mark at regional and international tournaments. Việt Nam News reporter Thu Ngân speaks with Hans Jagnow, director of club and player relations and special projects at the Esports Foundation (EF), about the country’s rising esports ecosystem and its future potential.

 

Inner Sanctum: How does the Esports Foundation (EF) assess the development of esports in Việt Nam? What key factors do you believe can help emerging esports markets like Việt Nam integrate effectively into the global ecosystem?

Việt Nam is currently one of the most dynamic esports markets we are observing. Over the past few years, we have seen Việt Nam emerge as a rising market with a passionate fan base that influences and contributes positively to the global esports community. The country has a young, digitally savvy population that is enthusiastic about both mobile gaming and traditional esports titles such as League of Legends.

The country has shown consistent progress in professional competitions, particularly in regional tournaments. By partnering with the country in events like the Esports Nations Cup (ENC) and supporting rising Vietnamese teams such as GAM in our Club Partner Program (CPP) within the Esports World Cup (EWC), we anticipate further success for Việt Nam across all levels of global esports competition.

Collaboration with key partners, including publishers, clubs, local organisations and sponsors, is essential for sustainable growth in Việt Nam's esports landscape. The country is transitioning from a high-potential market to a more structured and competitive ecosystem, setting the stage for continued growth. Our partners in Việt Nam are dedicated to shaping this future.

To further enhance the growth of esports in Việt Nam, investing in long-term initiatives such as youth development, coaching education, international exposure for players, and fostering professionalism within the esports ecosystem is crucial. These efforts aim to position Việt Nam as a prominent player in the Southeast Asian esports scene.

Inner Sanctum: Two Vietnamese teams are gearing up to participate in EF competitions including the EWC and ENC 2026. What are your thoughts on these teams and their chances of achieving success?

While we believe that every team has the opportunity to excel within the right framework, Vietnamese players and teams have showcased impressive skills and aspirations to compete with the world's best. Participants from Việt Nam in events like ENC and EWC are expected to demonstrate their ambition and drive to compete at the highest levels, asserting Việt Nam's presence in the global esports arena.

We see immense potential in Vietnamese teams, without favouring any specific side. The passion and hunger for success exhibited by players and management hint at a promising future. We wish them the best in their pursuit of success.

 

Inner Sanctum: How does ENC contribute to connecting developing markets like Việt Nam with the global esports landscape and advancing esports as a potential Olympic competition?

Speaking about esports strictly, Việt Nam is a developing market which already contributed quite a lot of the international passion for esports, and we have to recognise that this is a case already today.

ENC serves as a platform for bringing together the best players from around the world to share experiences, skills and passion for esports. By fostering international collaboration and competition, ENC not only strengthens ties between nations but also facilitates the development of esports ecosystems worldwide. This connectivity contributes to the growth and advancement of esports on a global scale, potentially paving the way for esports to become an official Olympic competition.

Inner Sanctum: Some reports predict that revenue from the Vietnamese esports market will reach US$10 million by 2030. What do you think is the main factor that will make this target achievable?

To realise this revenue potential, Việt Nam must excel internationally and captivate both local and global audiences with compelling narratives and successful performances. 

 

Achieving international success will not only attract local viewers and sponsors but also generate interest on a global scale. With platforms like EWC's CPP providing access to significant revenue and developmental opportunities like ENC enhancing Việt Nam's esports infrastructure, the country is poised to create revenue streams and contribute to the global esports market.

Inner Sanctum: As a prominent figure in global esports organisation, what advice do you have for Việt Nam in expanding its esports scene, including developing academy teams, hosting esports events of varying scales, and sustaining success on international stages like the Esports Nations Cup?

Success in esports hinges on the excellence of athletes, making talent development a top priority. Empowering athletes to compete at the highest international levels will drive interest in the domestic esports ecosystem and provide additional career pathways for Việt Nam's youth. Trusting the national esports authority to guide investments and initiatives will be instrumental in fostering growth and sustainability within Việt Nam's esports landscape. — VNS