Ayutthaya: The Esports Association is gearing up for a significant event with the 'Esports Championship 2026 @ Ayutthaya' tournament, held in anticipation of the upcoming 'Asian Games 2026'. On August 15, 2026, at Ayutthaya City Park Shopping Center in Ayutthaya Province, "Big A" Mr. Surasak Panjaroenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, alongside Mr. Santi Lohthong, President of the Esports Association of Thailand, officially opened the tournament. This international event features Thai national esports athletes competing against players from eight countries, including Thailand, in Street Fighter 6 and eFootball Mobile, with a total prize pool of 500,000 baht. The countries participating include Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Surasak Panjaroenworakul emphasized the significance of this event in bringing Thai national team representatives together with athletes from other countries. It serves as a preparation platform for the Thai national esports team ahead of the 2026 Asian Games and offers a chance to scout for additional talents. The Esports Association of Thailand and the Sports Authority of Thailand plan to host similar competitions in various provinces, providing athletes from different regions the opportunity to hone their skills in a high-standard setting.
Mr. Santi Lohthong expressed confidence in the Thai esports team's goals for the 20th Asian Games, asserting that they will not return without success. He remains optimistic despite the host country's selection of games they excel in, believing that Thailand has strong prospects in PUBG Mobile and eFootball. The country aims to secure a high overall medal ranking in esports, competing against major nations.
For the 20th Asian Games, esports will feature 11 gold medals. Thailand is set to compete for 7 gold medals in games such as Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, THE KING OF FIGHTER XV, Honor of Kings, PUBG Mobile, Identity V, Naraka Bladepoint, eFootball, and Puyo Puyo Champions.