Wang Sicong, a well-known Chinese billionaire and esports entrepreneur, was recently seen gambling at Marina Bay Sands casino in Singapore.
The 36-year-old is the only son of Wang Jianlin, founder and chairman of Dalian Wanda Group—China’s largest real estate developer. Despite his family’s immense wealth, Wang Sicong is known for forging his own path, particularly in the world of competitive video gaming.
Born in Dalian, China, Wang spent part of his early education in Singapore at Swiss Cottage Primary School. He later moved to the UK, where he studied philosophy at Winchester College and University College London. His recent trip back to Singapore coincided with the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, and during his visit, he was spotted playing slot machines on the casino floor at Marina Bay Sands.
Photos of the billionaire casually betting at low-stake machines circulated on Weibo, China’s leading social media platform often likened to a mix of Facebook and X. Witnesses noted that Wang appeared to be simply passing time rather than gambling seriously.
A Power Player in eSports
After graduating, Wang received a personal investment fund of CNY500 million (approximately USD $71 million) from his father. He used the capital to launch a private equity firm and the esports powerhouse Invictus Gaming in 2011.
Since then, Invictus has emerged as one of the most successful names in the competitive gaming scene. The organization fields teams in top-tier games like Dota 2, League of Legends, CS:GO, Starcraft II, Hearthstone, and PUBG. According to eSports Earnings, Invictus ranks 14th globally in all-time tournament winnings, with over $15.2 million amassed across 634 competitions.
Invictus’ biggest victories include winning the 2011 Dota 2 Invitational and the 2018 League of Legends World Championship—two of the esports industry’s most prestigious events.
Social Media Fame and Censorship
Often dubbed “China’s most famous scion” by the South China Morning Post, Wang Sicong has amassed a massive following on Chinese social platforms. At one point, his Weibo account boasted over 40 million followers. However, in April 2022, his account was suddenly disabled after he publicly questioned the efficacy of COVID-19 treatments like Lianhua Qingwen, used widely across China during the pandemic.
The incident highlighted China’s strict internet censorship laws. The Chinese government heavily monitors online content, especially statements that challenge official narratives—a system often referred to as the “Great Firewall of China” by human rights groups.
This censorship extends to gambling as well. Online casinos and betting platforms are banned in mainland China, with Macau being the only region under Chinese jurisdiction where legal gambling is permitted.
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