VSPO announces leadership change and renames to Hero Esports

Chinese tournament organizer VSPO has announced major changes to its leadership team, including CEO Dino Ying transition to executive chairman.

As a result, VSPO will promote its co-founder, CFO and Head of Global Strategy, Danny Tangto lead the company as CEO. In addition, VSPO’s Group Vice President and Head of Capital Markets, Finance and Legal, Luying Wangwill be the company’s acting CFO.

• VSPO co-founder Danny Tang is one of the 2024 ESI Hall of Fame inductees
• VSPO launches a multi-title esports tournament for Asia
• VSPO: How Chinese esports differs from the West

In addition, VSPO announced that it will change its name to Hero Esports. Few details were shared about the name change, but the company noted that the change aims to “better align VSPO with its existing domestic name” and support its global growth strategy.

Tang will continue to drive growth for the company after serving as CFO since its founding in 2016. Before VSPO, Tang served as vice president of China Development Bank Capital from 2010 to 2014 and earned a Master of Science in Management from Stanford University. Her efforts in esports with VSPO also earned her this year’s ESI Hall of Famer Award.

Over the past eight years, VSPO has grown into one of the largest esports companies in China. The company operates several tournaments and leagues in China, most notably the King Pro League, Honor of King’s franchise league. VSPO’s long-standing developer partnerships include deals with Tencent, Garena and Krafton.

The company has also received huge investments over the years, including a $265 million (~£219 million) investment from Saudi Arabian company Savvy Games Group in 2023.

According to a press release, Dino Ying’s move from the CEO position will allow him to use his experience to explore new esports products and experiences. This includes a focus on VSPO’s newly announced multi-esports tournament, the Asian Champions League (ACL), as well as global events such as the Esports World Cup, of which VSPO is a partner.

Dino Ying, executive chairman of VSPOcommented on the move: “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for VSPO, soon to be Hero Esports. The launch of the ACL has the potential to be a further catalyst for not only the growth of our company, but also the wider esports industry.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with Danny and the team, as well as on the development of the ACL, and working with international organizations to support the continued development of the esports industry and everyone involved.”