Lausanne (Switzerland), Oct 30 (NationPress) The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) have officially ended their partnership concerning the Olympic Esports Games, concluding a collaboration that spanned 12 years.

Consequently, the IOC and the Esports World Cup Foundation have mutually decided to terminate their collaboration for the inaugural edition of the event, which was initially slated for 2027.

According to a press release, both the IOC and SOPC have been engaged in discussions over the past year regarding plans for the Olympic Esports Games. However, both organizations agreed to part ways to pursue “their own esports ambitions on separate paths.”

“The IOC will develop a new strategy for the Olympic Esports Games, taking into account feedback from the ‘Pause and Reflect’ process and pursuing a new partnership model,” the IOC stated.

The committee clarified that this decision would enable it “to better align the Olympic Esports Games with the long-term aspirations of the Olympic Movement,” while also creating a more expansive framework for the event.

“This strategy will provide an opportunity to better accommodate the Olympic Esports Games within the long-term objectives of the Olympic Movement and to disseminate the opportunities presented by the Olympic Esports Games more broadly, aiming for the inaugural Games to occur as soon as feasible,” the IOC added.

Despite this setback, the IOC reiterated its commitment to organizing the Olympic Esports Games, although the precise timeline for the first edition remains uncertain.

The committee emphasized its intention to “launch the inaugural Games as promptly as possible” and to continue shaping the event’s framework with insights from publishers and developers.

The IOC’s recent decision follows a series of consultations with the esports community and gaming industry stakeholders, including a publisher and developer forum held in June this year, aimed at developing a practical framework for the Games.

“The initiative of the Olympic Esports Games has generated significant enthusiasm among all stakeholders of the Olympic Movement and in the esports community, who eagerly anticipate the first edition,” the IOC stated.

“The overwhelming feedback from stakeholders within the Olympic Movement and the esports community indicates a strong desire and substantial support for the initiative.”

Meanwhile, the Saudi-based Esports World Cup Foundation will independently pursue its own esports ambitions. Its flagship national tournament, the Esports Nations Cup, is scheduled to debut in Riyadh in 2026 and will take place biennially.