IOC Opens Head of Esports Role Ahead of Olympic Esports 2027, Major Discussions at Publisher and Developer Forum

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially started preparing for Olympic Esports 2027. In what can only be deemed as a major development, they have announced the opening for the position of Head of Esports, which is based out of Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland. This job is not an opening, but a stepping stone for esports' recognition, even in countries that aren't focusing on it right now. 

Head of Esports Vacancy Opened Ahead of Olympic Esports 2027, What it Means for Everyone

The post on Linkedin Read: "If you are a leader in the esports industry with extensive experience in driving transversal projects delivery in esport games and the vision to build a better world through sport inspires you, this is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact to the Olympic Movement."

This call is for every one of the stakeholders who have and will be playing a part in raising the standards of esports across the globe and helping the IOC create a framework that is going to help them clear the path for a smoother experience when the event happens in 2027. 

The position isn't just an honorary title. The responsibilities go above and beyond the development of “core esports titles” for the IOC, managing publisher partnerships, taking care of Olympic Esports Games strategies, and aligning esports with the broader Olympic mission.

IOC's History, Inhibitions, and Acceptance of Esports

The conversation around the inclusion of Esports in the Olympics started in 2018, but the then IOC head, Thomas Bach had his reservations about the same and called Esports too violent. But that has changed so much over the years that in 2023, the first side-stage, but still a platform was given to Olympic Esports Week 2023, Singapore. 

Since then, the conversations have only escalated and we will also see the Esports World Cup in July, which will show the world what esports, when money is invested in it, government recognition is given, and a culture is honed would look like. 

At present, IOC discussed the Olympic Esports Games at the Publisher and Developer Forum. The meeting saw more than 120 guests from the International Sports Federations and Continental Associations of National Olympic Committees. 

Thomas Bach started the discussion there and what he said there is remarkably different from where he stood a few years ago. He said, "Your presence here today, whether this is your first direct engagement with the Olympic Movement or a continuation of an earlier collaboration reflects a shared commitment to build something new and meaningful, something with the power to inspire a new generation."

 “The Olympic Esports Games can be a game-changer for all of us: a new platform bringing together the best of both of our two worlds. For the Olympic Movement, this means connecting with new communities in ways that are authentic, inclusive, and future-focused. For the esports ecosystem, it is a unique opportunity to connect with communities that are new for you, to scale up, to stand out, and to shape your future on a truly global stage,” he added.

At the forum, multiple discussions around how the current stakeholders: developers, platforms, and sports associations across the globe will be able to contribute towards the upcoming Olympic Esports 2027.