International Olympic Committee Confirms First Olympic Esports Games For 2027 In Saudi Arabia

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has outlined the plan for the first Olympic Esports Games, which will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027. This announcement coincided with a meeting between Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport and president of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), and IOC president Thomas Bach at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Olympic Complex in Riyadh.

The roadmap's introduction aims to offer global participants a progressive journey leading to this groundbreaking event. The IOC also confirmed that the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in October 2023, will be the founding partner of the Olympic Esports Games. This partnership is intended to merge traditional sports with electronic sports, broadening opportunities for international teams.

Prince Abdulaziz expressed gratitude to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and HRH the Crown Prince for their exceptional support, which has helped establish Saudi Arabia as a central hub for major sporting events. He noted that the IOC's decision to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia reflects global confidence in the kingdom's capabilities and its significant role in international sports.

During their discussion, Thomas Bach remarked on the clarity of the roadmap leading to these historic games. "With the Road to the Olympic Esports Games starting this year, the games are becoming a reality," he stated, highlighting this as evidence of a strong partnership between the IOC and SOPC across various domains.

The IOC acknowledged Saudi Arabia's remarkable growth in its sports sector since 2015. The country has hosted over 100 international sporting events across diverse fields such as football, esports, motorsports, tennis, equestrian events, and golf. Community involvement in sports has surged more than threefold since 2015, now encompassing about half of the population.

A joint committee was formed by SOPC and IOC to oversee the first Olympic Esports Games. This committee is co-chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki and IOC member Ser Miang Ng, along with several other members. Their collaboration aims to ensure successful management and execution of this pioneering event.

The EWCF brings valuable expertise as a nonprofit organisation experienced in managing global esports championships. Its role includes organising and selecting electronic games for these competitions. The foundation's involvement is crucial for bridging traditional sports with esports on an international level.

The launch of this roadmap marks a significant step towards realising an innovative event that blends traditional athleticism with digital competition. As preparations commence this year, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting addition to both sporting worlds.

With inputs from SPA