The first-ever Olympic Esports Games will now take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, following a revised schedule announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Tuesday.
The journey towards the event will begin this year 2025, marking a major step in the integration of esports into the Olympic movement.
The IOC had initially decided during its 142nd Session in July last year to launch the Olympic Esports Games, with plans to hold the first edition in 2025. However, the timeline has now been adjusted.
To organise the event, the IOC is working closely with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will also play a key role as a founding partner, bringing its expertise in game selection and competition formats. This partnership aims to create a connection between traditional sports and the rapidly growing esports industry.
The IOC and EWCF will work together with major stakeholders to set up qualification processes that align with global standards, helping esports develop in a structured and sustainable way.
IOC President Thomas Bach described the announcement as a milestone, stating that with the qualification process beginning this year, the Olympic Esports Games are moving closer to reality.
“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,” said Bach.
A joint committee, led by IOC Member Ser Miang Ng and co-chaired by HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, has been established to oversee the event. This committee will determine which games will be featured in the first edition.
Saudi Arabia is preparing to welcome esports athletes from around the world, adding the event to its growing list of international sporting competitions.
