Ng Shin Ein, Edwin Tong and Chris Chan at the Global Esports Games Opening Ceremony ©GEF

Pyrotechnics, virtual reality and a variety of entertainment filled the Opening Ceremony of the Global Esports Games in Singapore today, 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.

GEF President Chris Chan said the organisation was
GEF President Chris Chan said the organisation was "proud" to give a space to esports players ©Getty Images

"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.

Competition can be watched online on Twitch, YouTube and Facebook, and ends tomorrow.