The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a comprehensive review of its plans to enter competitive gaming, delaying the debut of Olympic esports events originally scheduled for 2027. The development follows the cancellation of a proposed partnership with Saudi Arabia to host inaugural competitions in Riyadh.
In an exclusive interview with China Media Group (CMG) conducted in Beijing this week, IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized the need for strategic alignment: "We want to ensure our first esports initiative delivers meaningful value while preserving Olympic principles. This requires careful consideration of format, governance, and cultural impact."
The pause comes as global interest in esports continues to surge across Asia, particularly in markets like South Korea and the Chinese mainland. Analysts suggest the IOC's reassessment reflects growing recognition of esports' complex ecosystem, including concerns about game violence standardization and intellectual property rights.
While no new timeline has been announced, Coventry confirmed ongoing dialogues with technology partners and Asian gaming communities. The decision highlights evolving approaches to engaging younger audiences while maintaining traditional sporting values.
