The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the first-ever Olympic Esports Games will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2025, marking a historic moment for the world of competitive gaming.
A Groundbreaking Announcement
The IOC’s revelation of the Olympic Esports Games comes as part of its 12-year partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia. Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, details such as the host city, specific dates, player qualifications, and game titles are still under wraps.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, president of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, expressed enthusiasm for the event: “As a ‘first’ ever Esports Olympic Games, obviously there is still much to consider and plan with the IOC, but we are committed to hosting a special event that respects and celebrates the Olympic values while boldly seizing the momentum to drive esports forward with the international platform the sport and its athletes deserve. The world will have an open invitation to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together.“
IOC President Thomas Bach highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi NOC on the Olympic Esports Games, because it has great – if not unique – expertise in the field of esports with all its stakeholders. The Olympic Esports Games will greatly benefit from this experience. By partnering with the Saudi NOC we have also ensured that the Olympic values are respected, in particular, with regard to the game titles on the programme, the promotion of gender equality, and engagement with the young audience, which is embracing esports.”
Building on Previous Successes
The IOC’s plans include featuring “e-versions” of traditional sports, continuing from last year’s successful esports trial event where athletes competed in Gran Turismo, Just Dance, and Fortnite. As reported by Engadget, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate esports into the Olympic movement.
While the exact games for the Olympic Esports Games are yet to be confirmed, partnerships with major video game publishers like Epic Games, Capcom, and Riot Games are in the works. This could potentially bring popular titles such as Rocket League, Street Fighter, and League of Legends to the inaugural event, according to L’Equipe.
Controversy Amidst Celebration
Despite the excitement, the announcement has not been without controversy. Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, including allegations of unjust treatment of women and LGBTQ individuals, has sparked some dissent within the global community.
This move into esports is not Saudi Arabia’s first foray into the gaming industry. In 2021, Prince Mohammed bin Salman invested over $3 billion in major gaming companies like Take-Two, EA, and Activision Blizzard. Furthermore, as of 2022, Mohammed bin Salman’s Electronic Gaming Development Company holds a significant 96.18 percent stake in SNK, the developer behind iconic titles such as King of Fighters, Fatal Fury, and Samurai Shodown, as reported by The Verge.
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