China’s Mu Xinyue has made history at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, becoming the first woman to win an esports gold medal at the Games. She achieved the milestone after China defeated Japan in the Identity V Asian Games Version final.
Mu Xinyue Makes History
Mu Xinyue was part of China’s Identity V team that faced Japan in the final on September 30. The victory made her the first female athlete to claim an esports gold medal at the Asian Games since esports became part of the official medal programme.
Mu is also the only woman among China’s 23 esports athletes competing at Aichi-Nagoya 2026. She competes under the in-game name Persica and represents WBG in Identity V.
China Wins a Close Identity V Final
The final against Japan was a closely contested battle. The opening two rounds ended 4–4 and 5–5 before China took the third round 7–2.
Japan responded with another 4–4 draw in the fourth round, which sent the contest into a deciding fifth round. China then built a 3–1 lead in the opening half and secured the gold.
The match was also briefly interrupted by a technical problem involving a network cable, with play paused for around 30 minutes before the teams resumed the contest.
“The Happiest Moment of My Life”
After winning the gold medal, Mu described the achievement as “the happiest moment of my life.” She said hearing China’s national anthem while wearing the gold medal was an especially emotional moment.
Speaking about her historic achievement, Mu also said that gender should not define players or be used as a benchmark, emphasizing that competitors earn their place through their ability.
A Milestone for Asian Games Esports
Mu’s achievement comes as esports continues to expand at the Asian Games. Aichi-Nagoya 2026 features 11 esports medal events, while competitive gaming became an official medal sport at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023.
Shanghai Daily also highlighted Mu’s achievement in a post on X, calling her the first woman to win an Asian Games esports gold medal.