The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Friday that it is partnering with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone in integrating esports into the Olympic movement.
The proposal will be presented at the IOC Session, which will be held on the eve of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Upon approval, preparations will begin for selecting a host city and venue, determining the event’s timing, choosing the titles to be included, and outlining the qualification process for participating players.
The IOC stated that international federations already engaged in electronic versions of their sports will be the first partners considered for inclusion in the Olympic Esports Games. National Olympic Committees that have incorporated esports into their activities will also play a pivotal role.
To address the unique nature of the Olympic Esports Games, the IOC announced plans to create a new dedicated structure within its organization, separate from the traditional organizational and financial model of the Olympic Games. This approach aims to tailor the event specifically to the esports community while upholding Olympic values.
“We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi NOC on the Olympic Esports Games because it has great\u2014if not unique\u2014expertise in the field of esports with all its stakeholders. The Olympic Esports Games will greatly benefit from this experience,” IOC President Thomas Bach said. “By partnering with the Saudi NOC, we have also ensured that the Olympic values are respected, in particular, with regard to the game titles on the program, the promotion of gender equality, and engagement with the young audience, which is embracing esports.”
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IOC announces inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025
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