NIP Group's Mario Ho eyes to establish esports-themed hotels across China??
Mario Ho, Chairman and Co-CEO of NIP Group, has unveiled plans to establish over 100 esports-themed hotels across mainland China within the next three years. According to a report by the Asia Gaming Brief, the initial launch will take place in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, as part of a larger strategy to tap into China’s fast-growing esports hospitality market.
Ho outlined a franchise-based business model for 95 percent of the proposed hotels, allowing the company to reduce capital burden and accelerate expansion. The initiative positions NIP Group to compete in a dynamic and increasingly saturated sector, where speed and scale are becoming essential for survival.
The concept of esports hotels has gained momentum in China since it first opened in Zhengzhou in 2017. Cities such as Wuhan, Chongqing, Xi’an and Chengdu have embraced the trend of blending gaming, accommodation, and community into a single experience. As of 2023, the number of esports hotels in China had reached over 24,000, reflecting steady annual growth.
Strategic partnerships and expansion beyond China
NIP Group’s expansion into the hotel sector follows its earlier partnership with Home Inns Group. This collaboration provides operational expertise and local market insight, potentially enabling a smoother entry into different Chinese regions.
The NIP Group Chairman also emphasised that the company’s efforts are not limited to China. He said the Middle East forms a core part of NIP Group’s international ambitions. In Abu Dhabi, an esports city is under construction, with support from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. The project is expected to create infrastructure for international tournaments and elite teams, with long-term potential to position the region as a global hub for competitive gaming. Southeast Asia is another target, with Vietnam and Thailand being considered for future expansion.
Ho dynasty’s venture into esports
Mario Ho’s entry into esports and digital entertainment marked a shift for the Ho family. 라이브 바카라 known for its legacy in Macau’s 바카라 industry, the family is transitioning into emerging digital markets. Mario, the youngest son of the late 바카라 magnate Stanley Ho, has forged a separate path in gaming, taking his company public and expanding its international footprint.
With a background that includes academic accolades and early leadership roles in esports, Mario Ho represents a new generation of the Ho family, focused on technology and digital innovation. His leadership of NIP Group, which resulted from the merger of ESVF Esports Group and the iconic Ninjas in Pyjamas brand, has brought him recognition in both financial and tech circles.
