Players pose for a photo during the invitational. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]

The StarCraft II All-Star Invitational was held at the Hangzhou Esports Center in Gongshu district on Jan 17 and 18, marking one of the first major international offline tournaments since the game's return to Chinese mainland servers.

The event brought together top active players and iconic veterans from around the world. In the finals, South Korean player herO defeated Reynor 4-3 after a seven-game series to claim the title, while legendary players such as Chinese world champion Oliveira (Li Peinan) returned to the spotlight, reigniting classic memories for fans.

The tournament also showcased Hangzhou's professional esports infrastructure. A 360-degree immersive stage, advanced audiovisual systems, multilingual commentary, and interactive fan zones enhanced the viewing experience, turning the event into a full-scale esports festival.

Industry observers said the event highlights Hangzhou's growing strength in hosting international esports competitions and advancing game content innovation, further reinforcing its position as a leading esports city.

The invitational draws crowds of esports fans. [Photo/Hangzhou Daily]