The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially announced that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be the host nation for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025.
This landmark decision has marked a pivotal step in the integration of esports into the mainstream sporting arena and promises to redefine the Olympic Movement.
The IOC has entered into a 12-year partnership with the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee, solidifying Saudi Arabia’s role as the epicentre of the Olympic Esports Games. The Kingdom’s substantial investment in esports, coupled with its burgeoning esports ecosystem, made it the ideal choice for this prestigious event. Notably, Saudi Arabia is currently hosting the Esports World Cup, showcasing its commitment to fostering a vibrant esports community.
Commenting on the landmark partnership, IOC President, Thomas Bach, said, “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. 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.
“The Women’s Committee under the leadership of IOC Member Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud was essential in advancing women’s sport in Saudi Arabia. They worked closely with the NOC of Saudi Arabia to achieve this progress. Having their support to advance female participation also in esports is a valuable commitment. We are looking forward to our cooperation.”
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said, “Saudi Arabia is hugely excited by the prospect of partnering with the IOC and helping to welcome a completely new era for international sport. We believe that to take part in the Olympic Games is one of the greatest honours any athlete can achieve. And we are proud to support the writing of a new chapter in Olympic history that has the potential to inspire new dreams and new ambitions for literally millions of athletes around the world.
“As a ‘first’ ever Esports Olympic Games, obviously there is still much to consider and plan with the IOC, but we are committed to hosting a special event that respects and celebrates the Olympic values while boldly seizing the momentum to drive esports forward with the international platform the sport and its athletes deserve. The world will have an open invitation to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together.
“We are a youthful nation, with over 23 million gamers, embracing the future with new thinking and partnerships. Supported by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, our Kingdom has become a global hub for professional esports. Hosting this event is the result of a rich past, an exciting present and a promising future for the industry in the Kingdom. This is a natural next step for our young athletes, our country and the global esports community.”
Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, an IOC Member, member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and President of the Women’s Committee, added, “Witnessing the growing trends of female participation in esports is very exciting. I had the honour of working towards women’s empowerment in sport and in society as whole under Vision 2030, and the leadership of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the tremendous positive impact of sport for women and girls. I look forward to the Olympic Esports Games as an opportunity for more female participation from across the globe in a safe and inclusive space.”
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a global esports hub, driven by the country’s Vision 2030 initiative. With a massive youth population and a thriving gaming culture, the Kingdom boasts a burgeoning esports industry.
The Olympic Esports Games offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for esports athletes to compete on a global stage and potentially achieve Olympic glory. The event has the potential to elevate the status of esports athletes, broaden the appeal of esports to a wider audience, and accelerate the growth of the esports industry.
As the world eagerly awaits the first Olympic Esports Games, questions remain about the specific esports titles, competition format, and qualification process. The IOC and the Saudi National Olympic Committee will collaborate closely to create an event that captivates audiences and leaves a lasting legacy.