Riyadh to Host First Olympic Esports Games in 2027, Qualifying Begins This Year
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Synopsis
The inaugural Olympic Esports Games will be held in Riyadh in 2027, following a 12-year agreement with Saudi Arabia. The qualifying phase, termed the Road to the Olympic Esports Games, starts this year, as announced by the International Olympic Committee.
Key Takeaways
- The first Olympic Esports Games will be in Riyadh in 2027.
- Qualifying starts this year.
- Partnership with Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
- Esports World Cup Foundation is a key partner.
- Joint committee established for organization.
Lausanne, Feb 11 (NationPress) The first-ever Olympic Esports Games are set to occur in Riyadh in 2027, delayed by two years from the original schedule due to a 12-year agreement signed with Saudi Arabia last year. The qualifying phase, known as the Road to the Olympic Esports Games, will commence this year, according to a statement from the International Olympic Committee on Tuesday.
In June 2024, the IOC Executive Board declared its intention to establish an Olympic Esports Games, with the proposal awaiting approval from the 142nd IOC Session during the 2024 Summer Olympics.
By July 2024, the decision to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025 was announced, following a new partnership with the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee. This proposal received unanimous approval on July 23, 2024.
To organize the Olympic Esports Games, the IOC is collaborating with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee. The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will serve as the founding partner for the Games.
“The IOC and EWCF will work closely with essential stakeholders to create qualification pathways, enhance competitive integrity, and align national esports ecosystems with international standards,” the IOC shared in a release.
A joint committee composed of members from the IOC and SOPC has been established to oversee the Games, chaired by IOC Member Ser Miang Ng and co-chaired by HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal.
The committee is made up of six members, three from each organization, and is currently defining the games that will feature in the inaugural Olympic Esports Games.
The collaboration between the IOC and SOPC was a key topic during a meeting involving Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, IOC chief Thomas Bach, and HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal in Riyadh on Sunday.
“A clear roadmap is now established for the historic first Olympic Esports Games. With the Road to the Olympic Esports Games kicking off this year, the Games are on track to become a reality. This demonstrates the strength of the partnership between the IOC and SOPC across multiple areas,” Bach stated.
“The path to the inaugural Olympic Esports Games is defined, with an immediate timeline that benefits all involved, starting the Road to Olympic Esports Games in 2025. We are united and clear about our forward trajectory, with a focus on successful delivery,” he added.
“Saudi Arabia is eager to welcome the world and support the aspirations of numerous esports athletes,” remarked the president of the SOPC.
