The IOC has confirmed a 12-year deal with the Saudi NOC to host the Olympic Esports Games.
The International Olympic Committee has confirmed the Olympic Esports Games will take place in 2025, as part of a new 12-year deal drawn up with the Saudi National Olympic Committee. At this stage, details are still being drawn up, but it does appear the Olympic Esports Games will be a regular event over the next few years, with Saudi Arabia hosting the first iteration.
According to HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the event aims to “respect and celebrate the Olympic values while boldly seizing the momentum to drive esports forward with the international platform the sport and its athletes deserve.”
As noted by the IOC, the move is a result of “significant growth of sport overall in Saudi Arabia” as the country’s Vision 2030 plan has advanced opportunities for athletes, and the participation of Saudi Arabia in more global events.
Notably, the Vision 2030 plan has also come under scrutiny from human rights groups, who allege the Saudi government’s recent push is in an effort to “sportswash” alleged human rights abuses in the country.
Despite this, the IOC is excited by its new partnership, and the expertise the Saudi government has in gaming and esports. For years, there has been a vocal push to bring esports to more mainstream audiences through the Olympics, but there have been numerous hurdles to this success – most commonly, doubt around the appeal of esports.
The IOC hopes the newly-penned deal with the Saudi NOC will help to change the face of esports, and bring it respect for those of all ages, and particularly those who are less familiar with these tournaments.
“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,” Thomas Bach, IOC President said in a press release.
“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.”
At this stage, a firm plan for the first ever Esports Olympic Games in 2025 has not been locked down, and there is still “much to consider and plan with the IOC,” but it does appear the Saudi NOC is committed to the future of the event, and its potential on a global stage.
“The world will have an open invitation to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together,” HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal said.

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By Leah J. Williams 15 July 2024