Emily Irish

Olympic Esports Redefined: IOC Charts New Course After Splitting with Saudi Initiative

This article outlines recent changes in the collaboration between the International Olympic Committee and its Saudi Olympic counterpart and Paralympic Committee regarding the Olympic Esports Games. It explores the evolution of their joint efforts, the rationale behind the new direction, and what might be expected from both parties moving forward.

The global Olympic authority and its Saudi counterpart and Paralympic Committee have ended their recent collaboration on the Olympic Esports Games. What was originally established last year is being discontinued as each organization plans to pursue separate initiatives. The International Olympic Committee mentioned that it will work on a novel approach to the Olympic Esports Games, incorporating lessons from an evaluative process while seeking to develop a renewed model for future partnerships. This new approach is expected to better align the event with the long-term vision of the Olympic Movement and broaden its opportunities, with intentions to organize the inaugural edition as soon as practical.

The decision reflects the desire to develop a more comprehensive and sustainable framework for the Olympic Esports Games. By creating a pathway that fits more cohesively with the broader ambitions of the Olympic Movement, the International Olympic Committee hopes to Enhance the event's exposure and overall influence. Meanwhile, the specifics of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s future plans remain unclear.

• The collaboration was initiated last year and is now being terminated early.
• The International Olympic Committee is devising a new strategy after recent feedback.
• The new model aims to better integrate with the Olympic Movement's long-term goals.
• The inaugural event is anticipated to take place at the earliest opportunity.
• The Saudi Committee may focus on enhancing its existing Esports World Cup.

While details about the Saudi committee’s alternative offerings have yet to be revealed, the annual Esports World Cup hosted in Saudi Arabia hints at a possible shift in focus toward further expanding that event. This development marks an important pivot in the evolving landscape of Olympic-related esports initiatives.