IOC Partners with Saudi Arabia for Inaugural Olympic Esports Games

Posted : 15 July 2024

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has forged a significant partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia to launch the inaugural Olympic Esports Games. This event is set to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2025, with plans for the games to occur regularly over the next twelve years, marking the initial phase of this collaboration.

This development comes shortly after the IOC's Executive Board officially proposed the establishment of these games, highlighting the organization's commitment to integrating esports into its broader framework.

The upcoming Olympic Esports Games will be formally introduced at the next IOC Session, which is scheduled to take place just before the 2024 Paris Olympics. Unlike the traditional Olympic Games, which travel to different host cities, the Olympic Esports Games will maintain a consistent location due to the long-term partnership with Saudi Arabia. Specific details regarding the event, including the chosen city and venue for the inaugural edition, will be determined following official IOC Board approval.

At this stage, there has been no announcement about the specific esports titles that will be featured in the first edition of the games. The IOC has expressed its intention to create a distinct structure within the organization dedicated to esports, separate from its traditional operations.

This new approach suggests that the financing and organization of the Esports Games will differ significantly from those of the regular Olympic Games, indicating a tailored strategy to address the unique aspects of the esports landscape.

IOC President Thomas Bach has emphasized the advantages of collaborating with the Saudi NOC, noting the organization's extensive expertise in the esports arena. He believes that this partnership will greatly enhance the Olympic Esports Games and uphold Olympic values, particularly concerning the selection of game titles, the promotion of gender equality, and engagement with younger audiences who are increasingly embracing esports.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has made considerable strides in the esports industry, including hosting the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, though its efforts have drawn scrutiny due to the country's human rights record regarding women and LGBTQ+ rights.

IOC Partners with Saudi Arabia for Inaugural Olympic Esports Games

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