Sarah Travers
In an unprecedented move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the debut of the Olympic Esports Games in 2025, set to be held in Saudi Arabia. This historic event, born from a collaboration between the IOC and Saudi Arabia’s National Olympic Committee (NOC), signifies a 12-year partnership aimed at integrating competitive video gaming into the global Olympic framework.
The decision was solidified on July 12, during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris, where the IOC Executive Board voted unanimously to proceed. This marks a significant step in the IOC’s efforts to adapt to the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment. While the exact titles to be featured are still under wraps, the debut of the Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia is eagerly anticipated.
The IOC’s journey towards embracing esports began in earnest in 2018 and reached a milestone with the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in 2023. This event served as a precursor, setting the stage for the more expansive Olympic Esports Games. Further discussions and refinements took place during the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, India, in October 2023, culminating in the formal establishment of this new event.
Replacing the Olympic Esports Series, the Olympic Esports Games will be held biannually, strategically scheduled between the Summer and Winter Olympics. This timing ensures continuous engagement with the Olympic movement, providing a contemporary complement to traditional sports.
Saudi Arabia’s selection as the host for the inaugural games highlights the nation’s growing prominence and investment in the sports and entertainment sectors. The event is poised to attract elite esports athletes and global fans, cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as a pivotal player in the international esports arena.
The 12-year partnership between the IOC and Saudi Arabia’s NOC reflects a long-term vision for esports within the Olympic context. This strategic alliance aims to cultivate and expand this dynamic field, offering regular opportunities for the world’s top esports competitors to showcase their skills on a global stage, paralleling the spirit of traditional Olympic sports.
Although the specific games to be featured in the Olympic Esports Games have not been announced, the excitement within the esports community is palpable. The chosen titles are expected to encompass a wide range of popular genres, highlighting the diversity and talent within the esports industry.
The addition of esports to the Olympics is a major step forward for both the Olympic movement and the esports industry. This initiative not only expands the Olympic program but also elevates the status of esports, providing it with a prestigious platform that will enhance its global appeal and recognition. As we look ahead to 2025, the anticipation surrounding this inaugural event promises to usher in a new era of competitive gaming and entertainment, bridging the gap between traditional and digital sports.
