IOC Officially Announces Olympic Esports To Be Hosted in Riyadh in 2027

The world of esports is set to take a monumental leap forward with the announcement that the first-ever Olympic Esports Games will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027. This landmark event, a collaboration between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), marks a significant milestone in the integration of esports into the global sports arena

A Historic Partnership

The IOC and SOPC have partnered with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) to bring this vision to life. The EWCF, known for organizing the annual Esports World Cup, will play a crucial role in shaping the competitive structure and ensuring the integrity of the Olympic Esports Games This partnership aims to bridge the gap between traditional sports and esports, creating a lasting impact on both worlds.

Road to the Games

The journey to the inaugural Olympic Esports Games begins this year, with qualifying competitions for national teams set to start in 2025. A six-member committee, co-chaired by IOC member Ser Miang Ng and Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, will decide the games program The committee will ensure that the selected games align with Olympic values and standards.  

A New Era for Esports

The inclusion of esports in the Olympic Games represents a strategic move by the IOC to connect with a younger generation of potential fans. With traditional sports audiences gradually ageing, the IOC sees esports as a way to rejuvenate interest in the Olympic movement The Olympic Esports Games will feature a mix of physical, simulated, and electronic games, showcasing the diversity and innovation within the esports community.

Looking Ahead

As the countdown to the inaugural Olympic Esports Games begins, the world eagerly awaits the opportunity to witness this historic fusion of traditional sports and esports. With Saudi Arabia already hosting numerous international sports events, the kingdom is poised to welcome the global esports community and help realize the dreams of countless esports athletes.

The Olympic Esports Games promise to be a game-changer, not just for the world of esports but for the Olympic movement as a whole. As we look forward to 2027, the excitement and anticipation continue to build, marking the dawn of a new era in competitive gaming.