Saudi Arabia awarded hosting of first-ever olympic eSports Games in 2025
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that Saudi Arabia
will host the inaugural Olympic eSports Games in 2025. This decision was
unanimously approved at the 142nd IOC session in Paris. The event will be
organized in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee, according
to a report by Kazinform News Agency.
“This marks a new era for the IOC. With the creation of the Olympic eSports
Games, we are keeping pace with the digital revolution. The esports community,
represented in our Esports Commission, has enthusiastically supported this
initiative. This is further proof of the Olympic brand's appeal and its values
among young people. The Saudi Arabian National Olympic Committee brings unique
expertise in esports to this project, aligning with the Olympic Charter and
values,” stated IOC President Thomas Bach.
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HRH Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and
Paralympic Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, attributed the
growth of esports in Saudi Arabia to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision
2030. He emphasized the importance of nurturing the nation’s youth and their
pivotal role in the future of esports.
Prince Abdulaziz expressed that the Kingdom aims to inspire athletes by
integrating esports into the Olympics, providing new opportunities for heroes
and sharing the Olympic spirit. Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, President of the
Women’s Committee and an IOC member, highlighted that Vision 2030 has driven
social change, empowering women and young people. She noted that over 23.5
million Saudis are video game enthusiasts.
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The IOC has long considered including esports in the Olympics but was
previously deterred by the scale of the endeavor. Incorporating an esports
event is expected to attract thousands of additional fans and participants.
In 2018, the IOC and the Global Association of International Sports Federations
held a meeting with over 150 gaming industry representatives to discuss
esports. The IOC also hosted the inaugural Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in
June 2023, featuring over 100 participants across 10 virtual sports.
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The tournaments are proposed to take place every two years, though no final
decision has been made. The IOC and the Saudi national Olympic body will
jointly organize regular events over the next twelve years.
Source: Kazimdorm
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