The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially partnered with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025.
This historic announcement follows the IOC Executive Board’s decision to establish the Olympic Esports Games, which will be proposed at the IOC Session before the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The partnership between the IOC and the Saudi NOC spans 12 years, with regular Olympic Esports Games planned during this period.
IOC President Thomas Bach expressed confidence in Saudi Arabia’s expertise in esports and highlighted the importance of upholding Olympic values, including 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, expressed excitement about this new era in international sport. He emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting an event that celebrates Olympic values and advances the global esports community.
Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning esports scene, supported by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, positions the Kingdom as a global hub for professional esports. The country’s Vision 2030 initiative has driven significant growth in sports participation and infrastructure, making it a fitting host for the Olympic Esports Games.
Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, an IOC Member and President of the Women’s Committee, highlighted the increasing female participation in esports in Saudi Arabia. She underscored the importance of the Olympic Esports Games in providing a safe and inclusive platform for women worldwide.
The IOC will now focus on selecting a city and venue for the 2025 event, determining the game titles, qualification process, and other logistical details. International Federations with e-versions of their sports will be prioritized for inclusion in the Olympic Esports Games, ensuring a comprehensive and diverse event.
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