This morning, the International Olympic Committee announced that the first-ever esports Olympic Games will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2025.
In its announcement, the IOC revealed that the E-Sports Olympics are part of the organization’s 12-year partnership with the Saudi Arabian National Olympic Committee. However, specific details about the E-Sports Olympics, such as the city, date, qualification for potential players and game titles, have not yet been finalized.
“As the ‘first’ ever Olympic Games for esports, there is of course still much to consider and plan with the IOC, but we are committed to delivering a special event that respects and celebrates Olympic values, while boldly using the momentum to propel esports forward with the international platform that the sport and its athletes deserve,” said Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee. “The world will be extended an open invitation to join us in 2025 to celebrate this moment together.”
“We are very happy to be working with the Saudi National Olympic Committee on the Olympic Games esports, as they have extensive – if not unique – experience in the field of esports with all their stakeholders. The Olympic Games esports will greatly benefit from this experience,” wrote IOC President Thomas Bach. “Through our cooperation with the Saudi National Olympic Committee, we have also ensured that Olympic values are respected, in particular with regard to the game titles in the programme, the promotion of gender equality and the engagement of the young audience that is embracing esports.”
In its announcement, the IOC also revealed plans for “e-versions” of IF and NOC sports to be included in the Esports Olympic Games. According to EngadgetThis edict coincides with the organization’s esports trial event last year, where competitors competed in Gran Turismo, Just Dance and Fortnite.
While it has not yet been announced where the Olympic esports will be held, the IOC is reportedly considering partnering with leading video game publishers like Epic Games, Capcom, and Riot Games to feature Rocket League, Street Fighter, and League of Legends in the inaugural event. Team.
While the announcement of the first-ever Esports Olympics is an invigorating surprise for gamers around the world, it also comes with some disagreement. Especially in the case of Saudi Arabia controversial human rights recordincluding allegations of unfair treatment of women and members of the LGBTQ community.
This is not the first time Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the gaming sector. In 2021, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman invested more than $3 billion in Take-Two, EA and Activision BlizzardAs of 2022, Mohammed bin Salman’s Electronic Gaming Development Company owned a 96.18 percent stake in SNK, the creator of King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, and Samurai Shodown, according to Edge.
