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SINGAPORE. — Pyrotechnics, virtual reality and a variety of entertainment filled the Opening Ceremony of the Global Esports Games in Singapore on Saturday, taking place before the finals got underway on day one.

It started with trailers for all three titles that are being contested at the Games: DOTA 2, Street Fighter V: Championship Edition and eFootball 2022.

Chairman of the 2021 Global Esports Games Organising Committee Ng Shin Ein, said the Games could be used to promote the power of esports and bring people from across the world together.

She also added that esports is more than just a hobby.

“Most people focus on the fun part of esports, overlooking that esports is also physically and mentally demanding,” said Ein. President of the Global Esports Federation (GEF), Chris Chan, spoke about the growth of the organisation since its inception in 2019.

“Across the GEF’s first two years, we have seen unparalleled growth in esports around the world and we have been proud to help unlock and shape the potential for athletes and gamers around the world to compete and shine at the pinnacle of esports,” said Chan.

Singaporean hip-hop artist ShiGGa Shay performed his new single uTopia reimagined and was shown on the screen in a virtual avatar form as well as in-person, using a motion-capture suit.

After athletes, officials and members of the esports community took part in the oath, Edwin Tong, the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth of Singapore declared the Global Esports Games officially open.

Meanwhile, Brazil showed it was a nation of footballers not only physically but virtually too, by winning the eFootball 2022 gold medal against regional rivals Argentina, thanks to the efforts of 17-year-old João Vitor at the Global Esports Games in Singapore.

He defeated Ivan Melian in straight matches to take the title 2-0.

Both players did not concede a match during the knockout stages of the tournament, setting up an exciting grand final.

Bayern Munich was the club chosen by both players, but it was the Brazilian that was dominant in the first match, thrashing the Argentinian 4-0.

In the second, the score was closer, but it was Vitor who prevailed again – this time by a 3-1 scoreline, leading the teenager to throw his head into his hands in disbelief.

Morteza Mohammadi of Iran claimed the bronze medal by beating Dennis Zhao of Singapore 2-0.

Following the football action was the women’s DOTA 2 final between Britain and Singapore, with the hosts taking the win.

The team of “KazeL”, “Merody”, “bings”, “Minkiey” and “xiaoma”, prevailed in three matches, coming from behind to beat the team of “Little Lucy”, “valkyrjaRuby”, “Bellemiku”, “Soong45” and “Always~changing”.

Britain won the first match, but Singapore found their feet to claim the title.

“The first game we were all nervous so we didn’t play the job we wanted to, then on the second we picked up and the third was a rollercoaster,” said Singapore captain Merody.

Mongolia took the bronze medal. — Insidethegames.com.