IOC Makes Olympic Esports Games Official

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially established the Olympic Esports Games, marking a significant expansion of the Olympic brand into the digital gaming sector. During the 142nd IOC Session in Paris, the Executive Board voted unanimously to launch the initiative, with the inaugural event scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2025. This development follows a 12-year partnership agreement between the IOC and the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia, aimed at leveraging the country’s experience in the esports industry to engage younger global audiences.

The selection of game titles remains a focal point of the transition, as the IOC moves away from the niche, federation-linked titles used in previous Olympic Esports Series events. While specific game selections are still under negotiation with publishers, reports indicate that the event will exclude titles featuring gunplay. Instead, the focus is expected to shift toward mainstream competitive genres, including multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs), fighting games, and sports simulations, such as League of Legends, Street Fighter, and Rocket League.

The initiative has drawn scrutiny regarding the choice of host nation. Critics, including human rights organizations, have questioned the alignment of the partnership with the IOC’s established human rights framework, citing concerns over Saudi Arabia’s record on political and civil rights. Despite these objections, the IOC maintains that the partnership is consistent with the Olympic Charter and represents a necessary evolution to remain relevant in a digital-first landscape. The project is positioned as a long-term commitment to integrating esports into the broader Olympic movement.