Esports in the Olympics: Industry Leaders Share Their Insights

As a seasoned professional with a background in the gaming industry and having closely followed the growth of esports from its humble beginnings to its current global phenomenon status, I am thrilled about the recent confirmation of the Olympic Esports Games by the IOC.

The recognition of esports as an Olympic sport is a significant milestone for the industry. This development is expected to bring about notable transformations in the sector within the coming years. In light of this momentous occasion, our team at GamingonPhone sought the perspectives of esports industry pioneers on this topic.

Experts were inquired about their expectations for the global esports market and related industries as esports begins its journey towards Olympic recognition. They shared their perspectives on potential impacts and envisioned the future evolution of esports with this new status, including possible changes to 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 all the sudden buzz about the US Olympic Swimming Team? They’re making headlines on CNN, FOX, and NBC Sports. Treated like celebrities, they take center stage at the biggest classical sports events. We aim to replicate this excitement for virtual sports—esports.

In a recent press event, the CEO of Esports World Cup Foundation, Ralf Reichert, stated, “We’re committed to fostering the rise of esports’ top talents on the grandest stages worldwide. As we speak, this is exactly what The Kingdom is doing during the two-month span of the Esports World Cup. With a staggering $60 million prize pool and 1,500 athletes participating, we’ve already witnessed many memorable moments.”

1) In the latest Esports World Cup for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, the women-only team Omega Empress emerged victorious, earning a prize of $180,000. Their captain delivered an emotional speech about their journey, expressing hope that just a few thousand young viewers will be inspired to pursue their dreams and strive to become champions someday. These aspiring players would then dedicate themselves to training, staying active, making healthy food choices, and learning teamwork.

1. Today, the Esports World Cup emulates the traditional esports structure – much like Real Madrid or Al-Hilal scout top international players, esports teams follow suit. On the other hand, the Olympic Esports Games function as a national league where the elite athletes from each nation go head-to-head, fostering new dynamics, partnerships, and fan bases.

The Olympics represent more than just athletic competition; they’re also a significant cultural event. At the Paris Olympics in 2024, LeBron James, clad in main sponsor Louis Vuitton’s apparel, carries the Olympic torch. The Olympic Esports Games in 2025 are expected to attract a large audience, new demographics, sponsors, media collaborations, and celebrities to the country, leading to an expansion of the ecosystem.

The Olympic Games may include esports in the future. Instead of constructing the largest platform for NBA 2K’s best players in 2025, EA Sports FC, and Tennis Esports on Meta Quest 3, why not unite these stars from both the classic sports realm and the virtual world? By merging these spheres, we can create a grand event where traditional sports legends meet their esports counterparts. Let’s celebrate together, bringing the most popular titles in conventional esports into the mix. Bridging gaps, creating unity. We recently witnessed Neymar enjoying himself at the Esports World Cup.

Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh, Director of BD, Manga Productions

As esports earns Olympic approval, it’s reasonable to anticipate a significant increase in public acceptance, corporate sponsorships, and investments, leading to market growth for the global esports sector. This progress may bring stricter regulations, better care for players, and more partnerships with other industries. However, one of the biggest hurdles could be reconciling traditional sports fans’ expectations with esports’ unique culture, managing growing demands, and ensuring a level playing field and inclusivity in this rapidly changing environment.

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

1. With esports potentially becoming an Olympic event, we predict a substantial boost in its worldwide reputation as a competitive sport. Being included in the Olympics would provide players with a prestigious opportunity to symbolically represent their nations, similar to conventional athletes.

As an avid fan of esports, I’m thrilled about the possibility of popular titles with genuine gameplay being included in the Olympic lineup. This move could significantly boost recognition and pride within our community. While there may be debates and hurdles to overcome, this decision marks a turning point in esports history. It has the potential to revolutionize the ecosystem for the better, bringing even more excitement and legitimacy to the world of competitive gaming.

Sean Hyunil Sohn, CEO, KRAFTON India

1. KRAFTON is pleased with the IOC’s plan to incorporate Olympic Esports competitions, which represents a significant achievement for the global esports community. This move highlights the increasing impact and recognition of esports, both in India and on a global level. As an industry, we understand the importance of collaborating to establish infrastructure and a supportive environment that fosters the talents of esports athletes, helping them to perform at international levels.

Based on my experience working in the Esports industry and observing the potential of local talents and stakeholders in our country, I strongly believe that launching this initiative will be a game-changer for us. It’s not just about providing opportunities for growth and visibility on a global platform, but also about creating a structured policy and ecosystem that fosters development and support.

Sultan Alsaad, Founder & CEO at Tuwaiq Esports

1. With esports being accepted into the Olympics, it’s expected that the worldwide esports market and related sectors will undergo substantial changes. National and international regulatory bodies are likely to reap the most benefits, acquiring control akin to football federations and receiving funding through government subsidies and sponsorship agreements.

1. This transition is expected to promote increased cooperation between publishers and regulatory bodies, ultimately resulting in worldwide standard regulations that cater to both entities. Topics like athlete remuneration during Olympic participation will be crucial, with the FIFA World Cup’s compensation system serving as a point of reference. As we move forward, it’s possible that publisher-organized tournaments decrease, giving way to events orchestrated by governing bodies who would charge publishers annual licensing fees for their intellectual properties.

1. Combining major international esports organizations like the IESF and GEF into one universal body, similar to FIFA, and creating both regional confederations and national authorities, might lead to a more organized and improved esports environment.

Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO, Skyesports

As a long-time gamer and esports enthusiast, I am thrilled to my core by the IOC’s confirmation of the Olympic Esports Games. This is a pivotal moment for our community, one that brings us closer to mainstream acceptance and validates the skills, dedication, and passion that go into competitive gaming.

Marcus Lim, Senior Regional PR Manager, MOONTON Games

1) It’s clear that esports is making significant strides, transforming from a small-scale entertainment option into a worldwide sensation over the past few years. Today, countless individuals watch major tournaments for games like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). This collaboration underlines the fact that esports can stand alongside traditional sports in large multi-sport events, demonstrating its mainstream appeal.

1. By incorporating esports, the Olympics may see an increase in enthusiasm among younger viewers and spectators. Additionally, it presents fresh business possibilities for esports players and brands outside of the traditional sports market.

1) The main point of discussion right now is: ‘What video game titles are going to be featured?’ With its global popularity, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) would significantly boost the Olympic Esports Games 2025 if it’s among the chosen games.

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

1. In simpler terms, I should emphasize that gaining Olympic recognition for electronic sports was a highly intricate and challenging process, one that began in the late 1990s within the community who engage in these games both recreationally and professionally.

As an avid gamer myself, I used to think that games didn’t require any regulation or a federative system to keep us entertained for fun or improve our skills competitively.

Historically, various activities once considered casual pastimes, like surfing, skateboarding, or even dance forms such as breakdancing, have challenged traditional norms when they started as fun pursuits within communities. Over time, with increased popularity, the global market has recognized their potential and begun investing, supporting, and contributing to their expansion.

1. The International Olympic Committee recognizes that the burgeoning gaming community, now boasting over 3 billion participants across various electronic games, along with major investors, sponsors, and developers who inject billions into this industry, could potentially align with the Olympic movement. This association would be mindful of preserving the long-standing “Olympic spirit” that has been championed since the inception of the modern Olympic era.

1. The world’s electronic sports market and gaming sector, currently experiencing rapid growth, is picking up even more speed and will undoubtedly draw increased investment from established or new brands, leading to fresh chances for involvement and employment for professionals aspiring to work in these fields.

1. As someone who has been part of the Olympic movement since the XIX Pan American Games Rio 2007 and contributed to Brazil’s bid for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, I can envision that this new Olympic status for esports will bring fresh motivation, opening up numerous possibilities for players, teams, and both national and international governing bodies. Since 2015, these individuals have been laying the groundwork, and Brazil is actively involved in acquiring this “Olympic label.” This change will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the entire esports ecosystem.

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2024-07-30 08:41