On July 23, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, with the inaugural event set for 2025 in Saudi Arabia. 

This decision, unanimously endorsed by the 142nd IOC Session in Paris, marks a shift in the Olympic movement’s approach to digital sports.

“This is truly a new era for the IOC,” IOC President Thomas Bach stated. “With the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, we are keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution.” 

The IOC has partnered with the Saudi Arabian National Olympic Committee (NOC) for a 12-year period to organize these games.

To address esports’ unique nature, the IOC plans to establish a new dedicated structure separate from the organizational and financial model used for the traditional Olympic Games. 

The IOC emphasized that it will take a different approach to financing and organizing the Esports Games.

The decision to host the games in Saudi Arabia comes as the kingdom experiences significant growth in its sports sector. 

According to the announcement, sports participation in Saudi Arabia has more than tripled since 2015, reaching almost 50% of the population. The number of sports federations has also increased from 32 to 98.

Saudi Arabia’s esports credentials include hosting over 1,700 elite players from over 80 countries in major international tournaments over the past two years. These events have attracted nearly four million live spectators and garnered 1.3 billion views on various streaming platforms globally.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, stated, “We believe that participating in the Olympics is the ultimate honor that any athlete can achieve. That is why we are committed to providing the ultimate platform for new heroes to perform and for the Olympic spirit to be shared.”

The kingdom reports that 67% of its population considers themselves gamers, with approximately 100 pro esports players pursuing full-time careers. Saudi Arabia currently has over 23.5 million gamers, almost half female.

IOC Member HRH Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud added, “Vision 2030, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016, has delivered more than 150 reforms that have transformed society, empowering women and youth.”

Women’s sports in Saudi Arabia have snowballed, with over 330,000 registered female athletes and nearly 40 women’s national teams competing internationally. The country now mandates female representation on the boards of all sports federations, with over 100 women appointed, including seven female federation presidents.

The IOC states that International Federations already engaged in e-versions of their sports will be the primary partners for the Olympic Esports Games. The same approach will apply to National Olympic Committees that include esports in their activities.

This development represents a significant step in the IOC’s engagement with esports, which began in 2018 and led to the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in 2023. The creation of the Olympic Esports Games is a response to the growing interest in digital sports. It aims to align with the Olympic values while appealing to a younger audience.

However, the decision has sparked controversy. Esports within the Olympics has been a contentious topic for years, and social media reactions to the news have been mixed. 

Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of “sportswashing” to distract from its human rights record. Homosexuality is currently illegal in the country, raising concerns about inclusivity.

Alban Dechelotte, CEO of G2 Esports, told BBC News that Saudi officials have confirmed the competition will be open to all gamers regardless of gender or sexuality.