The world’s best video gamers will have a chance to compete for Olympic gold at the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2027.
In an announcement on Tuesday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the event will be hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The IOC said Olympic qualification events will begin as soon as this year.
Context
Electronic sports, aka Esports, is the term used to describe competitive video gaming.
In July 2024, the IOC announced it would facilitate the creation of the Esports Games.
It’s partnered with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee to organise the inaugural 2027 Games.
The IOC also named the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) as the founding partner of the Esports Games.
EWCF is a non-profit organisation committed to fostering the growth and development of esports and gaming worldwide.
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The IOC’s decision to invest in Esports is part of the governing body’s push to engage younger audiences.
It follows previous efforts to bring more contemporary events to the Olympics such as breaking, surfing, and speed climbing.
The growing popularity of Esports makes it an attractive investment area for the IOC, with the market expected to reach 869 million users by 2029.
IOC President Thomas Bach said this week’s announcement provides a “clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games.”
“The Games are becoming a reality,” he added.
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Government has invested in securing several upcoming international sporting events. For example, hosting the ESports Games and the 2034 men’s soccer World Cup.
However, critics have accused Saudi authorities of ‘sportswashing’ to redirect attention from its poor human rights record.
According to the Australian Human Rights Institute, this includes “limited recognition of migrant, LGBTQ+ and women’s rights,” and limits on freedom of expression and protest.
