Saudi Arabia To Host Historic Olympic Esports Games In Partnership With IOC

A dialogue session titled "The Historic Transformation of Esports" took place on Saturday during the New Global Sports Conference (NGSC). The event saw the attendance of Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), and Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF).

Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the SOPC, highlighted that hosting the Olympic Esports Games starting next year is a significant opportunity. He stated, "This announcement marks a historic step for the growth and development of Olympic sports," emphasizing the Kingdom's leadership in this area.

This initiative aligns with the National Gaming and Esports Strategy launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 2022. The strategy aims to integrate Olympic values with esports aspirations, fostering growth in both sectors. Baeshen reiterated that this move would promote Olympic values to a new generation of players and audiences alike.

The International Olympic Committee announced in early January a 12-year partnership with the SOPC to organize the Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia starting in 2025. This partnership will see additional editions held in subsequent years, further establishing the Kingdom as a global esports hub.

Baeshen also mentioned that the Olympic Esports Games offer an exceptional chance for esports players to represent their countries in 2025. He noted, "The Olympic Esports Games provide an exceptional opportunity for esports players to represent their countries," highlighting how this event will bring Olympic values to new audiences.

The announcement underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a leader in both traditional and digital sports. Hosting such prestigious events will contribute significantly to its reputation on the global stage.

The NGSC session underscored how merging traditional Olympic values with modern esports can create new opportunities for athletes and fans alike. This blend aims to foster a deeper connection between different generations through shared sporting experiences.

In conclusion, these initiatives are set to enhance Saudi Arabia's position as a prominent player in international sports. By hosting diverse championships and fostering partnerships, the Kingdom is paving its way towards becoming a central hub for both traditional and digital sports.

With inputs from SPA