Olympic Esports inaugural edition in Riyadh

Article posted by Coliseum, February 21^st, 2025

Image: Coliseum GSVA

The first Olympic Esports Games will be held in two years time (2027) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said recently as part of a 12-year-deal struck with the country last year.

‘Reuters’ stated that the IOC has been looking into Esports for several years forming a dedicated commission to find opportunities to tap into a younger generation involved with gaming.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the international, non-Governmental, sports governing body of the modern Olympic Games. Founded in 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin and Demetrios Vikelas it is based in Lausanne, Switzerland.

‘Reuters’ further stated that with its traditional audience base gradually aging the governing body is trying to connect with a younger generation of potential Olympics fans.

In 2021, it developed the Olympic Virtual Series, a pilot venture in Esports before signing the deal with Saudi Arabia last year for hosting the Olympic Esports Games.

IOC President Thomas Bach sent out a statement which read, “There is now a very clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games. With the road to the Olympic Esports Games starting this year the Games are becoming a reality.”

A six-member committee has been set up to define which games will be part of the first edition of the Esports Olympics.

Saudi Arabia has invested billions of dollars in sports events, including soccer, Formula One, boxing and golf.

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