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The 142nd International Olympic Committee (IOC) session unanimously voted today to establish the Olympic Esports Games, with the inaugural event set to take place next year in Saudi Arabia.
As fans prepare for the 2024 Olympic Games featuring traditional sports like swimming, beach volleyball, and gymnastics, this decision sets the stage for video games to join the global competition.
Esports fans have shown mixed reactions to the news, but industry leaders see significant potential.
Gen.G Esports CEO Arnold Hur emphasised the broader implications for government and educational support.
“This may not matter much to the average esports fan, but this has huge implications for government and educational support for esports at all levels,” Hur said.
“Whether it’s renting a venue for a match in Seoul or receiving course credit for an esports/gaming industry course, this is big.”
Although shooter games like Counter-Strike 2 and Call of Duty will not be included, the likely lineup features popular titles such as League of Legends, Rocket League, Street Fighter, Tekken, iRacing, NBA 2K, FIFA, and various mobile games, according to esports insider Rod “Slasher” Breslau.
A HISTORIC VOTE!
The 142nd IOC Session votes for the creation of the Olympic Esports Games.
Mark the date 🥳 pic.twitter.com/CPRrwrirba
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) July 23, 2024
IOC President Thomas Bach remarked on this milestone: “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 attractiveness of the Olympic brand and the values it stands for among young people.”
Last year, the Olympic Games hosted the Olympic Esports Series, where esports were tailored to their real-life counterparts, such as Fortnite for shooting and Tennis Clash for tennis.
The 2025 Olympic Esports Games will mark the first official inclusion of esports as part of the Olympic movement.
The IOC has partnered with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia for the next 12 years, ensuring that the Olympic Esports Games will be hosted in the Kingdom for the next three editions.
This decision follows the successful Olympic Esports Week in Singapore, which prompted IOC President Bach to commission a study on the creation of the Olympic Esports Games.
The IOC Esports Commission, led by IOC Member David Lappartient and including top esports representatives like G2 Esports CEO Alban Dechelotte, has designed a project that merges gaming with Olympic values, promoting gender equality and youth engagement.
Work will commence immediately to select a city and venue for next year’s inaugural edition, with more details to be announced soon.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, already hosting the first Esports World Cup, is investing heavily in sports and entertainment as part of Vision 2030, aiming to diversify its economy and cultural landscape.
“This partnership is based on the Olympic Charter and the Olympic values,” said Bach.
“The NOC of Saudi Arabia will bring great – if not unique – experience in the field of esports to this project.”
