A screen shot of the online game of "Fight the Lanlord".

A national tournament of "Fight the Landlord," a popular strategic card game in China, officially launched on Sept. 3. This is the first nationwide "Fight the Landlord" competition since the game was first recognized as a sport earlier this year.

The prize for the tournament totals 5 million yuan. In addition, players who participate via online gaming platforms will receive master points granted by China's General Administration of Sports. Players can check their master points and rankings online at any time. 

An online platform run by the Athletic Chess and Cards Management Center was recently established. After registering on this platform, players can begin to accumulate master points in accordance with "Fight the Landlord" regulations. 

Players will be granted titles ranging from "Five-Star Player" to "Lifetime Grand Master." 

Participants of the national "Fight the Landlord" tournament will be selected through a mass election, which will conclude in June 2017. Then the top 2,000 players will enter a second round of election. A total of 108 players will enter the semi-final, and 12 players will participate in the final game, after which China’s first "Fight the Landlord" national champion will be crowned. 

Passengers play "Fight the Lanlord" on the train.(File photo)