History was made today when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to create the eSports Olympic Games. The first edition will be held in 2025 in Saudi Arabia.
The 142nd IOC Session in Paris unanimously endorsed the Executive Committee (EB) proposal. To organize the Games, the sports entity entered into a partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia for 12 years.
IOC has been following electronic sports since 2018
IOC President Thomas Bach said: “This truly is a new era for the IOC. With the confirmation by the IOC Session of the creation of the eSports Olympic Games, we are keeping pace with the digital revolution.
Therefore, the eSports community, represented on our eSports Commission, was enthusiastically involved in this initiative. This is further proof of the attractiveness of the Olympic brand and the values it represents for young people.
Saudi Arabia’s NOC will bring a wealth of – if not unique – experience in the field of esports to this project. This partnership is based on the Olympic Charter and Olympic values.”
The IOC has been engaging with esports since 2018 in a holistic way. This culminated in the organization of Olympic eSports Week in Singapore in 2023.
Then, as a result of the success of that event, the IOC President asked the Esports Commission at the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai, India in October 2023 to study the creation of the eSports Olympic Games.
In this way, the Commission, under the leadership of IOC member David Lappartient, created a project that meets the interests of the esports community, respecting Olympic values.
This is particularly true when it comes to the show’s game titles, promoting gender equality, and engaging with young audiences embracing esports.
Saudi Arabia will play an important role in hosting the first eSports Olympic Games
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and Chairman of the Olympic and Paralympic Committee of Saudi Arabia, said: “Thanks to Vision 2030 introduced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, the esports in Saudi Arabia already has a rich past, an exciting present and a promising future.
And the reason is the same reason we are investing in all sports: our young people. Our commitment to esports is simply a reflection of the world our young people live in, and now we all have the chance to write new Olympic history together.
The chance to inspire new dreams and new ambitions for literally millions of athletes around the world. We believe that participating in the Olympic Games is the greatest honor any athlete can achieve. That’s why we’re committed to providing the ultimate platform for new heroes to step forward and for the Olympic spirit to be shared.
Together, we all share the perspective of instilling Olympic values in new and innovative ways. And we look forward to welcoming the global esports community to the Kingdom in 2025.”
Event represents Saudi Arabia’s opening to the world
IOC member Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, who is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and President of the Women’s Committee, also spoke.
“The history of sport in Saudi Arabia is a story of transformation. A story of unleashing the incredible potential of the Saudi people, harnessing their passion for sport and elevating their quality of life. Therefore, Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, has delivered a wave of more than 150 reforms that have transformed society, empowering women and youth.”
“As a nation, we already have more than 23.5 million gamers, almost half of whom are women. We have been at the center of the esports industry for many years. We see hosting the eSports Olympic Games in 2025 as a natural next step in our journey. In other words, it will be the opening of Saudi Arabia to the world and the world to Saudi Arabia”, added Reema.
Prince Abdulaziz and Princess Reema presented the project together at the IOC session. Over the past two years, through major international tournaments, including the first eSports World Cup, Saudi Arabia has hosted more than 1,700 elite players from more than 80 countries.
Furthermore, to emphasize its hosting credentials, the segment’s events in Saudi Arabia welcomed nearly four million fans to enjoy live experiences in the Kingdom. There were over 1.3 billion views from all over the world on various streaming platforms. Around 67% of the Saudi population considers themselves gamers.
The number of sporting events in Saudi Arabia grows
The partnership between the IOC and Saudi Arabia’s NOC comes at a time of significant growth for sport in general in Saudi Arabia. The country has hosted more than 100 international events for male and female athletes, including esports, football, motorsport, tennis, equestrian and golf, attracting more than 2.6 million sports fans.
Overall sports participation levels have more than tripled since 2015, reaching almost 50% of the country’s population. The number of sports federations also tripled during this period, from 32 to 98.
But women’s sport, in particular, has witnessed rapid growth. Currently, there are more than 330,000 registered female athletes and almost 40 women’s national teams competing internationally. Additionally, all female and male athletes receive exactly the same level of pay when on national service in their sport.
Search for the host city of the inaugural edition of the eSports Olympic Games
Following today’s decision, work will immediately begin on selecting a city and venue for the inaugural edition of the eSports Olympic Games, the specific calendar for the event, the titles to be included, the qualification process for players, and other details.
Therefore, the IOC emphasized that International Federations already engaged in an electronic version of their sport that is being considered for inclusion in the eSports Olympic Games will be the IOC’s first partners. The same applies to National Olympic Committees that already include electronic sports in their activities.
