IOC to Launch Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has unveiled plans to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025, marking a significant expansion of the Olympic movement into the realm of competitive gaming.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative, developed in partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia, will be formally proposed at the IOC Session scheduled to occur on the eve of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. The announcement includes details about selecting the host city and venue, the scheduling of the event, the esports titles to be contested, and the qualification criteria for participants.

The IOC plans to collaborate closely with international federations that have already developed electronic versions of their sports, as well as National Olympic Committees that have incorporated esports into their activities. Additionally, the IOC announced the creation of a new dedicated structure within its organization to handle the specific needs of the Olympic Esports Games, emphasizing a distinct approach to financing and organizing compared to traditional Olympic events.