In a groundbreaking development that merges the digital arena with the Olympic spirit, the first-ever Olympic Esports Games will be held in Riyadh in 2027. Today’s announcement confirms that the Road to the Games will kick off this year, heralding a new chapter for both esports and the Olympic Movement.
In July last year, during the 142nd IOC Session, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made history by approving the creation of the Olympic Esports Games. This visionary project comes to life through a strategic partnership between the IOC and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC).
As part of this innovative collaboration, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has been named the Founding Partner of the Olympic Esports Games. With its deep expertise in game selection, tournament structures, and ecosystem engagement, the EWCF will drive the development of the event—bridging the gap between traditional sports and the dynamic world of esports, and expanding opportunities for players and national teams worldwide.
The partnership will focus on establishing robust qualification pathways, enhancing competitive integrity, and aligning national esports systems with global standards. This initiative is set to create a lasting impact on the esports industry, fostering innovation and growth on an international scale.
The cooperation between the IOC and the SOPC was a central theme at a recent high-level meeting in Riyadh, attended by key figures including IOC President Thomas Bach, HRH the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, and HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, President of the SOPC and Minister of Sports. The discussions underscored the shared commitment to delivering a seamless integration of esports into the Olympic framework.
President Thomas Bach remarked,
“There is now a very clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games. With the Road to the Games starting this year, our vision is fast becoming a reality. This initiative highlights the strength of our partnership with the SOPC and our dedication to embracing innovation in sports.”
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal echoed these sentiments, stating,
“The journey to the inaugural Olympic Esports Games is now clear, with immediate steps commencing in 2025. Saudi Arabia is poised to welcome the world and to create unprecedented opportunities for esports athletes, further cementing our role as a global sports hub.”
Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as a premier destination for international sporting events, hosting over 100 competitions across various disciplines, including esports, football, motorsports, tennis, equestrian, and golf. With overall sports participation tripling since 2015 and a significant rise in the number of sports federations, the Kingdom is at the forefront of a global sports revolution.
To steer the project, a joint committee comprising members from the IOC and the SOPC has been established. Co-chaired by IOC Member Ser Miang Ng and HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, this committee is working diligently to define the competitive framework and select the games for the inaugural event.
The Olympic Esports Games symbolize a bold step toward a future where the boundaries between traditional and digital sports blur. As the Road to the Games unfolds, the world will witness a transformative moment in the evolution of esports—one that redefines competition and celebrates the unifying power of sport.
Published by Sports & Gulf Magazine
