Games

IOC confirms Saudi, EWC partnership for first Esports Olympic Games

BBG News

The first Esports Olympic Games were delayed to 2027 last month.

According to information shared on February 11th, the International Olympic Committee has formed an alliance with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee for the creation of the Olympic Esports Games.

The Esports World Cup Foundation, supported by Saudi funds, will serve as the primary sponsor for the upcoming games, slated to start in 2027 and be held in Riyadh. In 2025, we can expect the “Pathway to the Olympic Esports Games” to kick off, featuring various esports competitions that are starting shortly.

EWC links with IOC for delayed 2027 Esports Olympic Games

On February 11, the International Olympic Committee officially revealed their partnership. This development, however, was largely expected since the IOC had previously announced Riyadh as the host city in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian National Olympic Committee.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m all about making a lasting difference. That’s why the EWCF collaboration excites me! It’s not just about bringing esports closer to traditional sports, but also about widening the field for national representatives. In other words, it’s about bridging gaps and opening doors for more players and teams to shine on a global stage!

It’s expected that the EWCF’s knowledge in designing tournaments, collaborating with environmental initiatives, and partnering with game developers will positively impact the games they are involved with.

According to Saudi Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, it’s now evident that we are on our way to the first-ever Olympic Esports Games. A schedule has been set that suits everyone and the path to these games, known as the Road to Olympic Esports Games, will begin in 2025.

Saudi Arabia is eagerly anticipating the arrival of the global community and is ready to contribute to making the dreams of numerous esports athletes a reality. Similar to other sports within the kingdom, there’s significant expansion and chances to seize as part of an exhilarating future for everyone involved.

Established in the year 2023, the Esports World Cup Federation (EWCF) has seen two editions of its flagship tournament unfold from Riyadh, the Saudi capital. The forthcoming event in 2025 is scheduled for an eight-week stretch, commencing in July and extending through August. A number of popular games have already been announced as making a comeback for this edition.

Yesterday, it was announced that EWC has entered a partnership with Riot Games, securing League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, and VALORANT for their event over the next three years. It remains unclear whether EWC will transform into the Esports Olympic Games in 2027, or if these games will run simultaneously.

Eyes turn to “Road to the Esports Olympic Games” but details are sparse

According to the recent announcement, the EWCF will be one of the initial partners for the event, however, it has been decided that the games will not occur this year as initially scheduled.

Instead, they opted for the first Games to commence in 2027. A postponement proposal arose in January from worried parties who were displeased with the inadequate preparations made by the committee.

Without specific details about games, locations, or competitors finalized, it was anticipated that a postponement would occur. However, today, the IOC in conjunction with SOPC unveiled a strategy for the Games to commence. This will start with “The Road to the Olympic Esports Games” – a sequence of qualifiers and guidelines for participants – commencing this year itself.

IOC President Thomas Bach recently stated that we now have a definitive plan for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games. He added that the journey towards these games begins this very year, making them increasingly real and imminent.

Regrettably, specifics about these qualifying events remain unclear. The participating nations, titles, and dates are yet to be determined, and given that the esports calendar is already jam-packed for the upcoming year, it’s up to SOPC and EWCF organizers to find suitable slots in their schedules.

At the 142nd International Olympic Committee (IOC) meeting held in Paris, it was officially decided that esports would be included in the Olympics by 2024. It is anticipated that Saudi Arabia will serve as the host country for the subsequent 12 years following this event.

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2025-02-11 16:41

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