The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has revealed that the first-ever Olympic Esports Games will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2025 as part of a 12-year collaboration with the country’s National Olympic Committee. Details such as the host city, venues, specific games to be featured, and the qualification criteria are yet to be finalized. The IOC plans to engage international federations and national Olympic committees already involved in digital sports and esports for potential partnerships.
In a move reminiscent of a trial event held last year, which showcased competitions in various games including Gran Turismo, Fortnite, Just Dance, Zwift, and lesser-known mobile games, the IOC is exploring the inclusion of popular esports titles such as Rocket League, Street Fighter, and League of Legends. Discussions are underway with the respective publishers regarding their potential involvement in the Olympic Esports Games.
Reports suggest that the Olympic Esports Games could become a biennial event, with South Korea and the US reportedly in talks to host future editions. After deliberating for several years, the IOC has decided to embrace the concept of an official esports competition under its auspices. However, the selection of Saudi Arabia as the inaugural host has sparked controversy due to the nation’s human rights track record, despite its efforts to leverage entertainment, sports, and esports to improve its global image.
Saudi Arabia has significantly invested in the esports industry, partnering with gaming companies, organizing the Esports World Cup with a substantial prize pool of $60 million, and acquiring a significant stake in the market. This strategic approach has positioned the nation as a key player in the esports ecosystem, as highlighted in a recent New York Times article.