The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the first edition of the eSports Olympic Games will take place in 2027, postponing the date initially scheduled for 2025.
This decision was announced after the officialization of a partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), a Saudi organization that promotes the eSports World Cup.
Decision after meeting in Riyadh
Thomas Bach, president of the IOC, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud set the new date during a meeting in Riyadh. The capital of Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural eSports Olympic Games event.
Last year, during the Olympic Games in Paris, the IOC approved the creation of the eSports Olympics in collaboration with Saudi Arabia. This country has invested significantly in electronic sports as part of its economic diversification strategy and improvement of its international image.
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), a non-profit entity, is responsible for organizing the eSports World Cup, which offers million-dollar prizes and holds annual editions in Riyadh.
Furthermore, the foundation financially supports esports clubs, expanding Saudi influence in the sector.
Organization and qualification schedule of the eSports Olympics
The IOC and the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee will create a joint committee to organize the eSports Olympics. Furthermore, the qualifying circuit for the event will begin in 2025, but they have not yet announced which games will be part of the program.
The IOC has already stated that it will not include shooting games, such as Counter-Strike, in the Olympic program. In the past, eSports events promoted by the IOC have focused on games that simulate traditional sports. However, they hope to include more representative titles in future eSports Olympics.
Impact of Saudi investment in eSports
This move by the IOC occurs in a context of large Saudi investment in the eSports market. Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Bin Salman, has directed significant resources to the development of games, expanding its international presence in the sector.
With this strategic decision, the IOC seeks to align itself with the growing global interest in eSports, while also leveraging the financial and logistical support of the Saudis. Thus, the first edition of the eSports Olympic Games promises to be a significant milestone in the history of electronic sports.
