The rise of the Star Sea Team was like a meticulously orchestrated inspirational drama, continuously sparking heated discussions within the esports community. From initially recruiting high-ranked solo queue players to providing top-tier logistics support, and then successfully signing the talented young player Wind Chaser and demonstrating strong competitive potential, every step he took was solid yet high-profile. Not only did their performance steadily improve in various amateur tournaments and internet cafe competitions, but their professional operating model, the healthy public image of their players, and the full support from the Star Sea Live platform also attracted a large number of fans.
This team was like a walking billboard, clearly showcasing to all observers the brand exposure, affinity with young users, and potential commercial value that investing in an esports club could bring. The viewership for their live matches steadily climbed, sales of team merchandise were impressive, and even the sponsor logos on the players' jerseys became highly sought-after by businesses.
This trend, led by the Star Sea Team, quickly spread within China's capital circles. Some traditional business owners who were initially skeptical of esports began to re-evaluate this emerging field; some keen-sighted internet companies and consumer brands had already started researching the feasibility of investing in or forming their own teams; more small and medium-sized capital groups were also inquiring about opportunities, trying to get a piece of the pie. Esports clubs, it seemed, transformed overnight from a byword for 'unprofessional' to a high-potential, quality asset.
This undercurrent of capital naturally did not escape Qin Feng's notice. He had been calmly observing the chain reactions brought about by the Star Sea Team, assessing the extent of market sentiment fermentation. When he saw articles discussing the investment value of esports clubs beginning to appear in various financial media and business forums, he knew the time was right.
He immediately called Lin Haoming.
"Mr. Lin, your Star Sea has been making quite a splash recently," Qin Feng said directly, his tone full of praise, "The results are even better than we anticipated."
"Mr. Qin, this is inseparable from your strategic guidance back then," Lin Haoming replied in good spirits, "Indeed, more and more capital is approaching us now, wanting to discuss cooperation or even wanting to imitate our model to form teams."
"Hmm, I've noticed. The market's enthusiasm has been ignited, but we need to add more fuel to the fire and guide this enthusiasm towards a more standardized, larger-scale track," Qin Feng got straight to the point, "Now, it's time for your Star Sea Live platform to take the lead in organizing a more significant event."
Lin Haoming's spirits lifted: "Mr. Qin, do you mean?"
"Star Sea Live will be the organizer, officially launching a cup named after the platform—the Star Sea Cup league of legends Invitational Tournament," Qin Feng clearly articulated his vision, "We want to make this competition a benchmark, a stage to showcase the commercial potential of esports to all potential investors."
He outlined the specifics:
"First, the tournament specifications. This will no longer be small-scale amateur skirmishes; we will adopt a more professional offline tournament model, rent professional venues, and equip a top-tier live broadcast production team, fully aligning with the audiovisual standards of national tournaments."
"Second, participating teams. Not only will we invite your Star Sea Team, but we will also widely issue invitations to other teams that have gained some renown in China or have capital backing, such as those strong teams that have emerged in university leagues and city tournaments. We can even open a small number of qualifier slots to give grassroots dark horses a chance to participate."
"Third, and most importantly, the prize money," Qin Feng said emphatically, "The total prize pool is tentatively set at three million RMB!"
"Three million?" Lin Haoming gasped slightly. This figure was undoubtedly astronomical for tournaments primarily hosted by internet cafes and small platforms at the time, making it highly impactful and newsworthy.
"That's right, three million," Qin Feng affirmed, "This money is not only to reward the winners, but more importantly, to serve as a signal to all capital—that esports competitions can carry immense commercial value and generate substantial returns! This prize money will be sponsored and supported by our Riot Games official as the chief sponsor and strategic partner."
He further explained the profound meaning behind this move: "Our official sponsorship, coupled with a high prize pool, is to endorse this emerging tournament brand, enhancing its authority and appeal. At the same time, it clearly tells everyone that our Riot Games encourages and supports the development of high-spec tournaments led by partners. The success of the Star Sea Cup will serve as a template, inspiring more capital and platforms to get involved."
"I understand!" Lin Haoming instantly grasped Qin Feng's full intention. This was not just a competition, but a precise strategic catalyst. By hosting the high-prize, high-spec Star Sea Cup, on one hand, it could greatly enhance Star Sea Live's brand image and industry status. On the other hand, it would use real money and official endorsement to declare to the market: the golden age of esports has truly arrived! This would greatly stimulate more capital to pour in, forming more legitimate clubs, thereby accumulating a sufficient number and quality of participating entities for Qin Feng's next step in promoting professional leagues.
"Mr. Qin, rest assured! I will immediately have the team start preparations for the Star Sea Cup, and we will definitely make it an industry-shaking grand event!" Lin Haoming said with full confidence.
"Very good. For specific details, have your team liaise directly with our global events company," Qin Feng finally instructed, "Remember, what we want is a 'demonstration match' that can ignite the entire market."
After the call ended, the machinery of Star Sea Live and Riot Games once again operated efficiently.
When the news officially broke that Star Sea Live would be hosting the Star Sea Cup league of legends Invitational Tournament with a total prize pool of three million RMB, and that it had received heavy sponsorship from Riot Games, it was like pouring a ladle of cold water into an already boiling pot of oil, instantly exploding!
Major gaming media outlets scrambled to report it as their top story, and player communities discussed it with great fervor. But the most shaken were undoubtedly those capital parties who were already itching to act.
"Three million! A tournament hosted by a platform has such a high prize pool?"
"Riot Games official is even sponsoring it; this shows that the official highly recognizes this direction!"
"If even a live streaming platform like Star Sea can organize such a large-scale competition, shouldn't we also take action?"
The restlessness of capital, which had been an undercurrent, gradually transformed into overt, active engagement. Calls inquiring about club formation procedures, seeking opportunities to acquire established teams, and discussing event sponsorship collaborations began to ring in the offices of all potential participants.
Qin Feng stood by his office window, looking down at the city below. He knew that the Star Sea Cup was about to ignite not just the beacon of a competition, but the most crucial spark that would set ablaze the path of professionalization for league of legends in China. The torrent of capital had been guided into his predetermined riverbed, surging forward.