The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has partnered with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This landmark event follows the IOC Executive Board’s recent decision to establish the Olympic Esports Games, with a formal proposal to be presented at the IOC Session on the eve of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The partnership between the IOC and the Saudi NOC will last for 12 years, with Olympic Esports Games being held regularly during this period. IOC President Thomas Bach expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “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.” He also highlighted the commitment to Olympic values, particularly in terms of game titles, gender equality, and youth engagement.
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, shared his excitement, saying, “The opportunity to host an event of this magnitude is a proud and humbling moment for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – it’s something that has captured the attention and imagination of game enthusiasts all around the world.
“Beginning next year, there’s no doubt that this brand-new event is destined to be a spectacle that entirely reimagines gaming and esports as we know it. It will bring the entire global community even closer together as the spirit of elite competition and international cooperation shine bright while the world’s best athletes provide moments of esports excellence that entertain, delight, and inspire.”
HRH Prince Faisal continued: “For countless generations, the Olympic Games has been widely considered as the grandest stage in all of sport. They represent something truly special and spectacular – an occasion where the world comes together to watch moments of magnificence that epitomize talent, teamwork, dedication, and belief in one’s abilities to fulfill their dreams and aspirations. It’s my sincere belief that the Esports Olympic Games will have a similar influence and impact.
“We’ve already seen esports – the new global sport – morph into a modern-day phenomenon where opportunities are there like never before for athletes to compete, excel, and succeed. The Esports Olympic Games will continue this legacy – and we look forward to the honor and privilege of hosting the first-ever edition.”
Saudi Arabia’s status as a global hub for professional esports is supported by over 23 million gamers and significant backing from HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Kingdom’s role as a host for this event reflects its rich past, vibrant present, and promising future in the esports industry.
The partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which has propelled the country into hosting over 100 international sports events since 2018, attracting more than 2.6 million sports fans. Sport has become a central part of daily life in Saudi Arabia, with sports participation levels tripling since 2015. The number of sports federations has also tripled, with the Saudi Esports Federation being a notable example of this growth. Currently, 67% of the Saudi population considers themselves gamers, and there are now 100 professional esports players pursuing full-time careers.
Women’s sports in Saudi Arabia have seen rapid growth, with nearly half of the 23 million gamers being female. Over 330,000 registered female athletes and nearly 40 women’s national teams now compete internationally. Additionally, sports are integrated into the school curriculum for girls, with 70,000 schoolgirls participating in football leagues weekly.
There is also significant female representation in sports governance, with over 100 women appointed to sports federation boards, including seven female federation presidents. Equal pay for female and male athletes on national duty further underscores the progress.
Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, an IOC Member and President of the Women’s Committee, remarked, “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 a 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.”
IOC President Bach added, “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.”
With the announcement now public, the focus will shift to selecting a city and venue for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games, determining the event’s timing, selecting game titles, establishing qualification processes, and other logistical details. The IOC plans to collaborate with International Federations and National Olympic Committees already engaged in esports, ensuring a robust and inclusive approach to this pioneering event.
The IOC will also establish a new dedicated structure for organising the Olympic Esports Games, which will be separate from the traditional Olympic Games model, reflecting the unique nature of esports.
This groundbreaking event is set to usher in a new era for international sport, blending Olympic values with the dynamic world of esports, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in this innovative field.
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Read also: Esports World Cup kicks-off in Riyadh
