Fans cheer on Team China at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, where esports debuted as a demonstration sport. At this year's Hangzhou Games, esports will be an official medal sport. CHINA DAILY

Generational icons

Jian and Ming were among the highest-profile Chinese LOL players of the last decade and beyond. Last month, the two topped the voting in a poll to decide the League of Legends Pro League's (LPL) 10 greatest players, which was organized to mark the league's 10th anniversary.

"My first LPL match was in 2013 when I played against Uzi's team. It was like we were fated to meet. We battled against each other from the very beginning," recalled Ming of his early days in the league.

"Competing in the LPL was my youth. Nowadays, we hope to pass on the torch to the next generation, hoping they can play better and bring glory to China."

Jian told China Daily that becoming a professional esports player was a life-changing decision for him and the journey has changed him a lot.

"It's been 10 years since we started competing in the LPL, and I have gone through a lot. Playing in the LPL allowed me to do what I think is right in a profession that I love. I gained a great sense of achievement. I considered myself lucky and honored to be part of it," said Jian.

"As a professional esports player, you will experience a lot of failure and countless heartbreaking nights. But you also gain an unparalleled sense of achievement, because as long as you work hard, all your efforts will definitely pay off. If you embark on this career, please keep going, work hard, and never give up."

As veterans who have witnessed the growth of Chinese esports over the past decade, Jian and Ming are impressed by how fast the industry has developed. Jian still remembers his first professional match — played on a small stage, with the teams crammed so close to each other they were able to hear their rivals talk tactics.

China has gone on to host a number of major championships at the nation's most iconic venues, including the National Stadium, aka the "Bird's Nest", in Beijing for the 2017 season's LOL World Championship final.

"At the beginning, people knew little about our players and esports. But now esports has gradually become accepted and recognized by the public, and so are the players," added Jian.

"There were fewer professional staff in the early days, unlike now, when we have more professional equipment, a healthier environment and there is more protection for players."

Ming points to a "more regulated "esports industry in China nowadays, which he believes is helpful for young players.

"In the past, it was more like we were exploring on our own, with no one to guide us. But now, there are always people offering advice and providing guidance."

Although they have both stepped away from competition for the time being, Jian and Ming, who still enjoy huge popularity among fans, are keen to act as role models and further the development of Chinese esports.

"I will certainly continue to contribute to LPL and esports in various ways. I was a player and I was also a coach. I hope I can help mentor more excellent players for the LPL, either as a coach or in a different role," said Ming.

"I wish another 10 years of prosperity for the LPL and Chinese esports, and hope that it will be accepted and loved by more people, just as traditional sports are.

"I feel a stronger sense of responsibility, because I know you must have that to be a role model. I'm an extremely positive person, and I want to introduce esports to more people and allow them to feel the positive energy and passion."