The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced an agreement with Saudi Arabia to host the first editions of the eSports Olympic Games in the country.
This event represents an important milestone for the electronic games sector, being the first official collaboration between the IOC and Saudi Arabia.
Agreement details
The agreement, which will last 12 years, provides for an annual edition of the eSports event. According to information released by the IOC this Friday, the first championship is already scheduled for next year.
This commitment to Saudi Arabia will be made official by the IOC Council during a meeting in Paris, which will take place between the 23rd and 24th of July. The objective is to announce shortly before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, scheduled for the 26th.
The partnership with Saudi Arabia is part of a broader effort by the country. The aim is to establish itself as a global hub for sporting and entertainment events.
Thus, this effort is a key piece of the Vision 2030 program, led by Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This program aims to diversify the Saudi economy, traditionally dependent on oil, and modernize Saudi society.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sports of Saudi Arabia, highlighted the importance of this agreement, stating that the country has become a “global hub for professional esports”. He highlighted that this is a natural evolution for young Saudi athletes and the global eSports community.
In addition to the eSports Olympic Games, Saudi Arabia will host other events
IOC President Thomas Bach praised the collaboration with the Saudi Olympic Committee, highlighting the country’s vast knowledge in the field of eSports.
“We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi Olympic Committee on the eSports Olympic Games. Because it has great – if not unique – knowledge in the field of esports with all its stakeholders,” said the IOC President.
Therefore, in recent years, Saudi Arabia has established itself as a major host of international sporting events. In addition to the new eSports Olympics, the country will host the 2034 World Cup, which FIFA is scheduled to make official in December this year.
Additionally, other important events include the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, 2029 Asian Winter Games and 2034 Asian Games, which will take place in Riyadh.
