Saudi Arabia has been confirmed as the host of the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025, marking the kingdom's significant entry into the competitive e-gaming arena. The event will be held as part of a 12-year partnership between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia.
Preparations are now underway to select a city and venue for the 2025 event. Organisers will also determine the dates, the video game titles to be featured, and the qualification process for players.
The IOC announced last month that it is exploring the concept of an Olympic Esports Games to engage younger audiences. While the IOC will oversee the event, it will maintain a distinct separation from the organisational and financial model of the traditional Olympic Games.
As for participants, the IOC has stated that International Federations (IFs) with established 'e-versions' of their sports will be prioritised for inclusion in the Olympic Esports Games. National Olympic Committees (NOCs) already involved in esports will also be considered primary partners.
“We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi NOC on the Olympic Esports Games, because it has great – if not unique – expertise in the field of esports with all its stakeholders. The Olympic Esports Games will greatly benefit from this experience,” said IOC president Thomas Bach. “By partnering with the Saudi NOC we have also ensured that the Olympic values are respected, in particular, with regard to the game titles on the programme, the promotion of gender equality and engagement with the young audience, which is embracing esports.”
According to HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, minister of sport and president of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, “Saudi Arabia is hugely excited by the prospect of partnering with the IOC and helping to welcome a completely new era for international sport. We believe that to take part in the Olympic Games is one of the greatest honours any athlete can achieve. And we are proud to support the writing of a new chapter in Olympic history that has the potential to inspire new dreams and new ambitions for literally millions of athletes around the world.
“As a ‘first’ ever Esports Olympic Games, obviously there is still much to consider and plan with the IOC, but we are committed to hosting a special event that respects and celebrates the Olympic values while boldly seizing the momentum to drive esports forward with the international platform the sport and its athletes deserve. The world will have an open invitation to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together”, he said.
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a central hub for competitive gaming, highlighted by the ongoing inaugural Esports World Cup (EWC), which features a prize pool exceeding $60 million. According to Prince Abdulaziz, the kingdom boasts over 23 million gamers, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who enjoys video games as a way to unwind.
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