The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is officially embracing Esports with the announcement of the first Olympic Esports Games, set to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027. This decision marks a major shift for the Olympics, aiming to capture the attention of younger audiences immersed in gaming culture.
A New Era for the Olympics
For years, the IOC has been flirting with the idea of integrating Esports into the Olympic movement. The 2023 Olympic Virtual Sports Festival in Singapore was a small step in that direction, but this latest move solidifies gaming’s place in the Olympic ecosystem. The decision to host the Games in Riyadh underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in both traditional sports and Esports.
David Lappartient, head of the IOC Esports Commission, made the case clear: “Younger generations are taking up online gaming in droves, and we need to go where people are going.” This shift is about more than just gaming—it’s about the IOC staying relevant in an age dominated by digital entertainment.
Why Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has been making significant investments in gaming and Esports. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, highlighted that 67% of the country’s population—about 23 million people—identify as gamers. The kingdom’s Esports strategy aligns well with the IOC’s goals, making Riyadh a natural choice for hosting the event.
The kingdom’s recent efforts include the Saudi National Games, which blended traditional Olympic sports with Esports. This hybrid approach is likely what convinced IOC President Thomas Bach that Saudi Arabia was ready to take on the challenge. “I have rarely seen such a positive development of sport in such a short time,” Bach commented after visiting the event.
What Will the Olympic Esports Games Look Like?
There are still a lot of unanswered questions about what these Games will actually include. Details such as the number of events, the structure of competitions, and the presence of traditional Olympic elements like Opening Ceremonies and medal presentations are yet to be confirmed.
A few things are clear, though:
- Qualifying events will begin later this year, allowing players to earn their spots in the 2027 Games.
- The event will not be a one-off; Saudi Arabia has secured the right to host the Olympic Esports Games through 2037.
- Unlike traditional Olympic sports, the inclusion of new games could evolve over time based on popularity and industry trends.
The Debate Over Esports as a Sport
The inclusion of Esports in the Olympic ecosystem has reignited an old debate: Are Esports actually a sport? Traditionalists argue that gaming lacks the physicality of Olympic disciplines, while proponents highlight the strategic depth and training required to compete at the highest level.
The IOC has already weighed in. In 2017, it stated that competitive Esports “could be considered a sporting activity” as long as they align with Olympic values. However, the committee has also made it clear that violent games will not be included in any official Olympic event.
The Road to 2027
This won’t be the first time Esports have been part of an international multi-sport competition. The Asian Games have included Esports as a medal event, and the Olympic Virtual Series in 2021 featured digital versions of traditional sports like cycling and baseball. But the Olympic Esports Games in 2027 will be on an entirely different scale.
As of now, it’s unclear which games will be featured or how the event will be formatted. What is clear is that the IOC is committed to making this work, recognizing that the gaming industry is too big to ignore.
For gamers and Olympic purists alike, the countdown to 2027 begins now. Whether this new event will reshape the Olympics or remain a niche offshoot remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Esports are no longer on the Olympic fringes—they are now in the spotlight.
