While capital was stirring and discussions were heating up in China due to the announcement of the Star Sea Cup, Qin Feng's vision was not limited to the domestic market.
He knew that a true esports empire had to be global, and the wave of professionalization needed to surge simultaneously across the world.
Standing before a global map, his gaze swept across North America, Europe, South Korea, and other regions already marked as hot spots, and he decisively picked up the encrypted transatlantic phone on his desk.
It was time to replicate and adapt the "event catalysis" strategy, which had proven effective in the domestic market, on a global scale.
The first call connected to Mr. Smith, the Vice President of Global Interactive in North America.
"Smith, my friend," Qin Feng's voice was steady and clear, "I believe you've already noticed some of our new developments in the Chinese market."
"Of course, Qin!" Smith's voice carried admiration and a hint of urgency, "The Star Sea Cup with a three-million prize pool, a grand gesture! This has also sparked discussions in our North American gaming community.
Many players and potential sponsors are asking, when will we have a competition of this caliber here?"
"That's exactly why I'm calling you."
Qin Feng guided the conversation, "I've seen the community's enthusiasm in North America; it's time to channel this energy into a more formal competitive path.
I suggest that Global Interactive immediately take the lead in organizing a regional event of similar scale, perhaps called the North America Star Invitational."
He elaborated on the strategy in detail, identical to what he had told Lin Haoming, but with slight adjustments for the North American market:
"The scale doesn't have to be large; initially, eight teams can be invited, primarily selected from top-ranked teams on the server and popular teams chosen by community vote.
The competition format will be a double-elimination bracket to ensure fairness and watchability."
"The key is to set an attractive prize pool, for example, two hundred thousand US dollars.
A portion of this money will be provided by Riot Global Events Company as an official sponsorship, and the remainder will require you to connect with local sponsors in North America—hardware manufacturers, energy drink brands, or even traditional brands seeking a youthful transformation."
"Through this event, we aim to achieve several goals: first, to test the competitive level of North America's top teams; second, and more importantly, to gauge the North American market's enthusiasm for esports commercial sponsorship and audience willingness to pay.
I need the most authentic live stream data, community discussion levels, and sponsor feedback."
Smith immediately understood Qin Feng's intention: "I understand, Qin! You want to use a high-profile event as bait to test the waters and attract more local capital and brands to esports!
This is a great idea; we'll launch it immediately!"
Next, Qin Feng's call went to President Kim of KC Games in South Korea.
Facing the South Korean market, known for its esports fervor and extreme operational efficiency, Qin Feng's strategy was even more direct and intense:
"President Kim, talented players and strong teams are constantly emerging from the Korean server, and players' desire for high-level competition is undeniable.
I suggest you organize a 'Korean Server Peak Arena,' adopting a more intensive schedule, and even trying a model combining online qualifiers with offline finals."
"The prize pool will also be set at one hundred thousand US dollars.
I believe that with the foundation of Korean esports, the level of this competition will be very high.
Our goal is to quickly establish the Korean server's position as a competitive benchmark globally, and at the same time, attract the attention of Korean local conglomerates and brands that are highly aligned with the esports gene.
I want to see if Korean capital is willing to pay for their esports pride."
President Kim's response carried the characteristic decisiveness of Koreans: "President Qin, rest assured!
We in Korea will never fall behind.
We will definitely host the highest-level 'Peak Arena' and let the world see the power of Korean esports!"
The same instructions were also conveyed to distributors in major markets such as Europe and Southeast Asia.
Qin Feng required them to quickly plan and execute officially authorized invitational tournaments with regional scope and moderate prize pools, based on local market characteristics.
The core objectives were highly consistent: ignite community enthusiasm, test commercial waters, and attract local capital.
After making this series of strategic deployments, Qin Feng did not stop.
He summoned the newly appointed head of Riot Global Events Company and issued another key directive:
"Immediately form several event evaluation teams, including data analysts, business specialists, and event observers.
During these regional competitions, they will go separately to North America, South Korea, Europe, and other places, not to guide, but to deeply connect and observe."
He required these teams to:
"First, follow the entire competition, from preparation to execution, record all process details, and evaluate the organizational capabilities and execution standards of each region.
Second, collect the most authentic on-site data—not only online viewership, but also offline ticket sales, on-site audience enthusiasm, media exposure, and most importantly—sponsor on-site feedback and subsequent intentions.
Third, contact local capital and brands interested in investing in esports, listen to their demands and concerns, and provide first-hand information for our future global professional league entry and business cooperation policies."
Qin Feng's gaze was profound: "I want to know how much energy the market itself can generate, apart from the real money we officially invest.
These small events are our stepping stones to test the waters."
Riot Games' global network and the newly established events company began operating efficiently.
Soon after, events such as the North America Star Invitational in North America, the Korean Server Peak Arena in South Korea, and the Continental Champions Cup in Europe were successively announced, along with high prize pools officially endorsed by Riot Games.
As soon as the news broke, it quickly ignited the enthusiasm of player communities in various regions and, as expected, attracted the attention of local business media.
Qin Feng's strategy began to show results.
Some local brands that had been taking a wait-and-see approach to esports, after seeing the strong official support and the enthusiastic atmosphere presented by the events, began to proactively contact event organizers to discuss sponsorship possibilities.
Meanwhile, the event evaluation teams dispatched by Riot Games, like sensitive tentacles, delved into various venues, continuously transmitting the most authentic pulse of the global esports market back to headquarters.
Qin Feng sat in his office, looking at the preliminary reports and data feedback from various regions worldwide, a look of strategic mastery on his face.
He knew that these fires of competition, igniting successively around the world, were outlining an unprecedented and clear global esports capital map for him.
The global foundation for professional leagues was being solidified piece by piece.
A global esports storm was already brewing.