Olympic Esports Games to take place in Saudi Arabia

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced an exciting new partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games. Here’s what you need to know about this groundbreaking event:

Details of the Partnership

– Inaugural Event: The 2025 Olympic Esports Games will be hosted in Saudi Arabia.

– Long-Term Commitment: The Games will occur regularly over the next 12 years, aligning with three Olympic cycles.

– Initial Proposal: This development follows the Olympics Executive Board’s recent proposal for the creation of the Olympic Esports Games.

Presentation and Format

– Official Presentation: The Olympic Esports Games will be presented during the next IOC Session, preceding the 2024 Paris Olympics.

– Non-Travelling Format: Unlike the main Olympic Games, the Esports Games will not adopt a traveling format due to the 12-year partnership with Saudi Arabia.

Planning and Execution

– City and Venue Selection: Details about the host city and venue for the first edition are yet to be disclosed. Working on these selections will begin after the IOC Board’s official approval.

– Game Titles: Information about which esports titles will be included has not been shared yet.

Organizational Structure

– New Esports Division: The IOC plans to create a separate structure within its organization focused on esports.

– Different Approach: The financing and organization of the Esports Games will differ from the traditional Olympics, requiring a new strategy.

Comments from IOC President

IOC President Thomas Bach expressed enthusiasm about the partnership:

 “We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi NOC on the Olympic Esports Games, because it has great – if not unique – expertise in the field of esports with all its stakeholders. The Olympic Esports Games will greatly benefit from this experience. By partnering with the Saudi NOC, we have also ensured that the Olympic values are respected, particularly with regard to the game titles on the program, the promotion of gender equality, and engagement with the young audience, which is embracing esports.”