China’s growing appetite for next-generation entertainment was on full display as Shanghai played host to the HADO World Cup — an international augmented reality (AR) sports tournament that brought together more than 60 teams from 18 countries and regions. The spotlight event marked a pivotal moment not just for the athletes involved, but for China’s virtual sports industry, which is fast gaining traction amid government backing and rapid technological innovation.
HADO, often described as the world’s first techno sport, blends digital strategy with real-world physical movement. Unlike traditional e-sports, virtual sports like HADO require players to jump, dodge, and attack in a physical arena while interacting with a digital interface through AR glasses and wearable sensors. It’s part combat, part cardio — and all driven by technology.
“Team China! Cheer up!” rang through the venue as the national team clinched the gold medal, igniting cheers from the crowd and reaffirming China’s growing presence in the international AR sports arena.
Australian player Kent Oishi described the experience as “futuristic” and praised the competition’s atmosphere: “HADO has always interested me a lot. It’s very nice to play in this competition at the HADO World Cup here in Shanghai.”
From Anime Dream to Global Sport
The concept of HADO is rooted in anime culture. The name is derived from the Japanese word “Hadouken,” a term fans of Street Fighter will recognize as the energy blast move. That very inspiration led Hiroshi Fukuda, founder and CEO of Meleap Inc., to develop the sport in 2014.
“I always admired the technique of Kamehameha from the Dragon Ball series,” Fukuda said. “I wanted to achieve that in real life.”
With advances in AR technology, that childhood dream became a reality. HADO players now engage in real-world matches using AR headsets and motion-tracking armbands that allow them to “fire” virtual energy blasts, dodge incoming attacks, and compete in fast-paced team-based battles.
China: The Emerging Capital of Virtual Sports
China has quickly become a focal point in the global expansion of virtual sports. Lim Sing Kent, General Manager of Meleap China, identified three key advantages: a massive consumer base, strong government support, and a deep pool of tech talent.
“Together, these three factors make me think that China is the most capable country in the world to turn virtual sports into a success,” he said.
Meleap accelerated its R&D activities in China last year, with Fukuda himself praising Chinese engineers as “brilliant” and instrumental in refining the sport’s technology.
China’s support for this emerging industry isn’t coincidental. In recent years, the government has laid out a strategic action plan emphasizing the integration of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) in the development of future sports.
According to iiMedia Research, China’s virtual sports market is expected to exceed 115.2 billion yuan (approximately USD 16 billion) by 2025 — signaling not only commercial potential but also the rise of a new digital-native athletic culture.
Physical + Digital = The Future of Sports
As HADO gains global popularity, China is positioning itself at the intersection of technology, culture, and sport. By fostering homegrown talent, investing in infrastructure, and embracing innovative platforms like HADO, China is paving the way for a hybrid future where physical exertion meets digital enhancement.
Shanghai’s successful hosting of the HADO World Cup not only showcased elite gameplay but also underscored China’s growing leadership in shaping the next generation of global entertainment — one virtual match at a time.
What an exciting fusion of tech and sports! HADO is paving the way for a new era of athleticism. Can’t wait to see how AR continues to reshape the game in China and beyond!