Esports in the Olympics: Industry Leaders Share Their Insights

As someone who has been closely following and participating in the esports scene for several years now, I couldn’t be more thrilled about the Olympic Esports Games being confirmed by the IOC. This is a major milestone that not only legitimizes esports as a mainstream performance sport but also brings it to an even larger global audience.

Esports has been recognized as an official sport for the Olympics, marking a significant milestone for the industry. This acknowledgement is expected to bring about substantial changes over the coming years. In light of this development, we at GamingonPhone sought insights from prominent figures in the esports world to gain their perspectives.

Experts were asked for their perspectives on the following question: With esports potentially becoming an Olympic sport, what major effects do you expect on a global scale for the esports market and related industries? Furthermore, how do you imagine the future development of esports in light of this new Olympic recognition and any potential shifts it may cause within the ecosystem?

Benjamin Kratsch, Management Consultant Ministry of Sports, Saudi Arabia

The Olympic movement holds a unique charm: it brings entire nations together in support of their athletes. So, what’s the buzz about the US Olympic Swimming Team all of a sudden? They’re making headlines on major news channels like CNN, FOX, and NBC Sports. The fame they’re enjoying is akin to that of celebrities. And just as these athletes shine on the biggest stages of traditional sports, we aspire to extend this recognition to esports athletes.

At a recent press conference, CEO of Esports World Cup Foundation, Ralf Reichert, shared that their goal is to create platforms where the greatest esports stars can shine. He emphasized that these stars are forged on the grandest stages worldwide, and that’s precisely what they’re working to construct right now during the two-month run of the Esports World Cup. With a staggering $60 million prize pool and over 1,500 athletes participating, the event has already been filled with such remarkable moments.

I’m thrilled to pieces about the recent victory of Omega Empress, the all-female Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Esports World Cup champions! They brought home an impressive $180,000 prize. Their captain delivered a heartfelt speech that left me teary-eyed, sharing their incredible journey. If just a tiny fraction of the millions of viewers are motivated to chase their dreams and strive for championship titles like these ladies did, then we’ve made a significant impact. They will put in long hours, prioritize fitness, eat nutritiously, and master teamwork.

1. In essence, the Esports World Cup employs a traditional esports setup much like how Real Madrid or Al-Hilal gather top international talent. Similarly, esports teams scout for their best players globally. On the other hand, the Olympic Esports Games function as a national tournament, where champions from each nation battle it out, fostering fresh dynamics, partnerships, and fan bases.

The Olympics aren’t just about athletic competition; they’re also a significant cultural event. At the Paris Olympics in 2024, LeBron James, clad in main sponsor Louis Vuitton, carries the Olympic torch. The Olympic Esports Games in 2025 will attract plenty of attention, new audiences, sponsors, media collaborations, and celebrities to the area, leading to a thriving ecosystem expansion.

2025 could see the NBA 2K, EA Sports FC, and Tennis Esports stars shine brighter than ever, not just on our screens, but in an immersive experience on Meta Quest 3! Imagine bringing together these real-world sports legends with their virtual counterparts for a grand spectacle that blurs the lines between reality and gaming. Let’s expand the Olympic movement to include the biggest esports titles alongside traditional sports, creating a harmonious fusion of worlds. Building bridges, fostering unity, just like we witnessed during Neymar’s exhilarating stint at the Esports World Cup.

Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh, Director of BD, Manga Productions

As esports earns Olympic approval, the world of competitive gaming is poised for wider acceptance, leading to more sponsorships, investments, and growth in the global market. Stricter regulations, better player care, and increased partnerships with other industries are probable outcomes. However, bridging the gap between traditional sports fans and esports culture may prove to be the most significant hurdle. Managing rising expectations, maintaining fairness, and promoting inclusivity in this rapidly changing landscape will be essential challenges.

James Yang, Senior Director of Global Esports Center, Level Infinite, Tencent Games

1. With esports potentially becoming an official Olympic sport, we expect a substantial boost in its worldwide reputation within the market. Being part of the Olympics gives these players a prestigious opportunity to represent their nations, much like traditional athletes do.

1) Making these games part of the Olympic esports competition could increase their visibility and boost community members’ sense of accomplishment. To make a significant difference, well-known games with genuine gameplay should be included in the Olympic lineup. Although there are still debates and hurdles to overcome, this choice signifies an important step forward in esports history, possibly transforming the landscape for the better.

Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India

Krafton is thrilled about the IOC’s decision to include Olympic Esports games, signifying a momentous achievement for the global esports community. This announcement highlights the increasing impact and acknowledgment of esports in India and globally. As an industry, we understand the importance of uniting and establishing a supportive infrastructure and ecosystem that fosters the talents of esports athletes, allowing them to thrive and compete at international levels.

Based on my personal experience and observation, I strongly believe that this initiative holds immense potential to motivate and catapult local talents and stakeholders within our community. As someone who has witnessed the passion and dedication of individuals in the Esports scene, I can attest to their untapped potential and the need for a platform that provides greater opportunities and visibility on a global scale.

Sultan Alsaad, Founder & CEO at Tuwaiq Esports

With esports on its way to being included in the Olympics, the worldwide esports industry is set to experience substantial growth. National and international organizations will be among the primary gainers, acquiring authority akin to football associations, and receiving funding via government subsidies and endorsements from corporations.

As a seasoned gaming industry insider with years of experience working closely with both publishers and governing bodies, I strongly believe that this upcoming shift will bring us one step closer to a more harmonious relationship between these two crucial stakeholders.

1. Combining international esports organizations like the IESF and GEF into one global body similar to FIFA, while creating regional associations and national authorities, might make the esports environment more organized and effective.

Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO, Skyesports

As someone who has been a part of the esports community for over a decade, I am thrilled to witness the Olympic Esports Games finally gaining recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This is a significant milestone not just for me, but for millions of gamers worldwide.

Marcus Lim, Senior Regional PR Manager, MOONTON Games

Esports has evolved significantly over the past few years, transitioning from a small-scale pastime to a globally recognized form of entertainment. Today, major tournaments like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) attract millions of viewers worldwide. This partnership underscores esports’ growing status as a legitimate performance sport deserving of recognition in multi-sport events.

1. By incorporating esports, the Olympics could witness an increase in attention from younger spectators and viewers. Furthermore, it provides fresh business prospects for esports players within their community, as well as for brands and communities outside of the gaming industry.

What games will make the cut for the Olympic Esports Games 2025, particularly Mobile Legends: Bang Bang with its massive global following and significant potential contribution?

Paulo Roberto Ribas, Vice Chair, Global Esports Federation & President, Brazilian Confederation of Games and Sports

1. In essence, constructing and gaining recognition for this Olympic status has been an intricate and challenging process, particularly among the community that began and continues to engage in electronic sports, both recreationally and professionally, dating back to the late 1900s, specifically the 90s.

It seems that the community held the view that games could carry on being played for enjoyment and developing as a competitive activity without any regulation or being part of a federal system.

I’ve noticed throughout history how certain activities, once considered niche pastimes like video games today, have shattered preconceived notions and gained widespread popularity. For instance, surfing, skateboarding, and even dance trends such as breakdancing started out as grassroots movements where people practiced for enjoyment. Yet, as these activities grew in popularity, the global market took notice and jumped on board, investing, supporting, and fueling their growth.

The IOC recognized the significant influence of the global gaming community, comprised of over 3 billion individuals engaging in electronic games, alongside major investors, sponsors, and game developers who inject billions into the industry. These entities could potentially align with the Olympic movement while upholding the cherished “Olympic spirit” established since the inception of modern Olympic Games.

The world’s booming electronic sports market and gaming industry are experiencing a fresh surge of growth. Major brands, both organic and non-organic, are increasingly investing in this sector, creating new job opportunities and possibilities for those aiming to build careers in related fields.

As a seasoned gamer with experience in the Olympic movement since the XIX Pan American Games Rio 2007 and having contributed to Brazil’s successful bid for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, I can only imagine the excitement and opportunities that lie ahead for players, clubs, and governing bodies within esports as they enter this new era of Olympic recognition. This status will undoubtedly serve as a significant source of motivation and encouragement, opening up numerous possibilities for those who have dedicated themselves to building and nurturing this community since 2015. As an active participant in Brazil’s efforts to secure this prestigious title, I am confident that the entire esports ecosystem will be transformed for the better.

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2024-07-30 07:11