Figures show the electronic sports industry in China generated 140 billion yuan in revenue in 2015. [Photo: 163.com]

The electronic sports industry in China generated over 140 billion yuan in revenue in 2015, with the number of players surpassing 100 million.

The number has China overtaking the US as the world's No.1 E-sports market.

The industry has drawn the attention of not only enterprises and individuals but also some local governments.

Industry expert Guo Bochun says the prosperity of the industry has greatly promoted economic development.

"The industry is the fastest-growing sector among all cultural industries in the world. We must develop it. It is a light asset and few industries can grow at a double-digit pace while the economy is declining."

Guo says many Chinese online gaming companies are fighting to win intellectual property rights for famous novels, movies and TV series.