The setting is an enormous stage in the middle of Happy Valley park. It's an amusement park, with all the rollercoasters and other attractions you'd come to expect. And for this week, eSports is at the center of the entertainment.

Under China's burning sun at around 35°C, TH000 and his mousesports team mate Fly100% face each other in the PGL Championship. The two former PGL winners play from shaded and air-conditioned gaming booths, being shielded from outside influences as much as possible.

The audience is mixed. You can see several hardcore eSports fans, that waited for about 2 hours for the first game to start. But there's also the regular park visitors, that were led to the stage by large banners plastered all over the park as well as public service announcements. A massive LCD wall withstands the sun and allows everyone to follow the action on the big screen.

This is a highly unusual venue, but it is fully worth it. I can't wait to see the stage at night with all the lighting equipment turned on. Later today, most of the players and press will arrive at the City Inn, the player hotel so tomorrow we will see an influx of Warcraft 3 celebrities, among them Grubby and Cassandra. There are very interesting days ahead of us.

Lots of photos from Beijing (Fans, winners, stage etc.)

WC3L Finals XV page