IOC Announces First Esports Olympic Games for 2027

The International Olympic Committee has revealed that the inaugural Olympic Esports Games will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027. This announcement marks a significant step in bridging traditional sports with esports. The event is being organized in collaboration with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the Esports World Cup Foundation, which has been named a founding partner.

Credit: IOC/Greg Martin

The games, initially anticipated for 2024, were delayed to allow more time for comprehensive planning. According to IOC President Thomas Bach, “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.”

The IOC and Saudi Arabia’s government formalized a 12-year agreement in 2024, and the games were officially announced at the 142nd IOC Session in July 2024. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud played a key role in these developments. He chairs the Savvy Games Group, which operates ESL FACEIT Group, expected to significantly influence the games’ structure.

A joint committee co-chaired by IOC Member Ser Miang Ng and SOPC President HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal is steering the preparations. The committee is tasked with selecting the esports titles for the event, a decision closely watched due to the IOC’s policy against violent content.

The selection of games remains contentious, with fans concerned about a repeat of the 2023 Olympic Esports Week, which featured lesser-known titles like Tic Tac Bow and Virtual Taekwondo. These were criticized for their ties to member federations rather than their competitive merit.

Further criticism has been leveled at the IOC for partnering with Saudi Arabia, a nation often scrutinized for its human rights record. While this partnership offers lucrative opportunities, it has also sparked debates about the IOC's commitment to its own human rights charter.

Despite the controversies, the 2027 Olympic Esports Games signal a pivotal moment for esports, providing a global stage for players to represent their countries. The IOC-EWCF partnership aims to bridge the gap between traditional and digital sports, expanding opportunities for esports athletes worldwide.