The first Olympic Esports Games will be held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This event is part of a 12-year deal signed with Saudi Arabia in 2023.
The IOC has been exploring Esports for years, aiming to attract a younger audience as interest in traditional sports declines. After launching the Olympic Virtual Series in 2021 as a test, the IOC formalized its commitment by partnering with Saudi Arabia for the Olympic Esports Games.
IOC President Thomas Bach confirmed that there is now a clear roadmap for the Games, with preparations beginning in 2025. A six-member committee will decide which Esports titles will be included in the competition.
Saudi Arabia has made major investments in global sports, including football, Formula One, boxing, and golf. However, critics accuse the country of “sportswashing” to distract from human rights concerns, a claim that Saudi Arabia denies.
