The world of esports is about to make history with the inaugural Olympic Esports Games, scheduled to take place in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This landmark event, a significant milestone for both esports and the Olympic Movement, was announced today, with the first Olympic competitions kicking off this year.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) made waves last July when it decided to create the Olympic Esports Games during its 142nd session. Partnering with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), the IOC aims to bridge the gap between esports and traditional sports, offering new opportunities for players and teams worldwide.
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will serve as the Founding Partner of the Olympic Esports Games, bringing its expertise in game selection, tournament structures, and ecosystem engagement. This partnership is set to drive innovation and ensure competitive integrity, aligning national esports ecosystems with global standards.
The EWCF, a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth and development of esports, will work closely with the IOC and key stakeholders to establish qualification pathways and enhance the overall esports experience. Their collaboration aims to create a lasting impact on the industry, fostering sustainability and growth.
The announcement followed a meeting in Riyadh between Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, HRH Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, IOC President Thomas Bach, and SOPC President and Minister of Sports, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal. The leaders discussed the roadmap for the Olympic Esports Games, emphasizing the strong partnership between the IOC and SOPC.
President Bach expressed his excitement, stating, “There is now a very clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games. With the Road to the Olympic Esports Games starting this year, the Games are becoming a reality. This is further evidence of the strength of the partnership between the IOC and the SOPC in many areas.”
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal added, “Today the journey to the first-ever Olympic Esports Games is clear, with an immediate timeline that works for all parties and sees the Road to Olympic Esports Games start in 2025. Together with the IOC, there is real momentum, unity, and clarity on the way forward, with the focus now on delivering.”
A joint committee of the IOC and SOPC, chaired by IOC Member Ser Miang Ng and co-chaired by HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, has been established to steer the Games. The committee, consisting of six members (three from each partner), is currently working to define the games that will be part of the first Olympic Esports Games.
As the Road to the Olympic Esports Games begins this year, the excitement and anticipation for this groundbreaking event continue to build. The Olympic Esports Games in Riyadh promise to be a historic moment for the esports community and the Olympic Movement, bringing together the best of both worlds.
