IOC Session Votes in Favour of the First Olympic Esports Games

As expected, the General Assembly of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has voted in favour of the organisation of the so-called Olympic Esports Games, as proposed by the Executive Board. They will be held for the first time in 2025 in Saudi Arabia.

It was no surprise. The signs were all too clear that the IOC would continue on its path towards the first Olympic Esports Games. The formal requirements have now been met at the 142nd IOC Session. The delegates voted in favour of the IOC Executive Board's proposal. The Executive Board had already entered into a twelve-year partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia for this eventuality.

"This is truly a new era for the IOC. With the confirmation by the IOC Session of the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, we are keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution. The esports community, represented in our Esports Commission, has enthusiastically engaged with this initiative. This is further proof of the attractivity of the Olympic brand and the values it stands for among young people. The NOC of Saudi Arabia will bring great – if not unique – experience in the field of esports to this project. This partnership is based on the Olympic Charter and the Olympic values", IOC President Thomas Bach said.

The exact organisation of the Olympic Esports Games will now be worked out. It is unlikely that the IOC will deviate from its policy of only considering simulations of recognised sports as esports. Classic games are likely to be excluded. It will be interesting to see if the designated hosts, Saudi Arabia, will find a workaround. Saudi Arabia is currently hosting its inaugural Esports World Cup, which includes competitions in League of Legends, Counter-Strike and Co.