The First Olympic Esports Games Will Be Held in Riyadh in 2027

The First Olympic Esports Games Will Be Held in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) in 2027

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the launch of the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2027. This milestone marks a significant step in integrating esports into the Olympic movement.

As IOC President Thomas Bach stated, “The creation of a dedicated esports format confirms that the Olympic family seeks to grow alongside youth and technology.”

To determine the best players, a series of qualifying tournaments, known as the “Road to the Games,” will begin in 2025. These events will help select top esports athletes who will compete in the grand finals in 2027.

Main Objectives of the Tournament:

• Engage younger audiences in the Olympic movement.
• Establish clear principles for Olympic esports.
• Foster international collaboration in digital competitions.
• Promote fair play and Olympic values in esports.

Why Saudi Arabia?

Choosing Riyadh as the host city highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports. The country has been heavily investing in various sporting events, including football, motorsports, and golf.

Saudi Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, expressed his enthusiasm:

“It is a great honor for us to host this historic event. Saudi Arabia aims to create a platform for the future of esports and offer the best conditions for esports athletes.”

Saudi Arabia has previously hosted major international esports tournaments, including competitions in Dota 2, FIFA, and Counter-Strike. With strong infrastructure and financial support, the country is well-prepared to deliver a world-class event.

Which Disciplines Will Be Included?

A special six-member commission has been formed to determine which games will be featured in the Olympic Esports Games. The IOC aims to select disciplines that blend sportsmanship with digital innovation.

Potential Games in the Olympic Esports Program:

• Sports Simulations (FIFA, NBA 2K, Gran Turismo)
• Esports Strategies (Dota 2, League of Legends)
• First-Person Shooters (Counter-Strike, Call of Duty)
• Fighting Games (Street Fighter, Tekken)

“We are working on creating a format that is fair, accessible, and aligned with Olympic values,” said an IOC representative.

Esports and Olympic Values

The IOC emphasizes that the Olympic Esports Games will adhere to strict Olympic standards. This means that esports competitions will follow the same principles as traditional Olympic disciplines.

Key Principles of Olympic Esports:

• Fair Play – Strict measures against cheating and unsportsmanlike behavior.
• Inclusivity – Equal opportunities for players from all countries.
• Sportsmanship – Respect for opponents and the rules of competition.

“Esports is not just about technology; it’s about the spirit of competition. We want players to feel part of something bigger than just a game,” an organizer stated.

The Future of the Olympic Esports Games

The IOC is considering hosting the Olympic Esports Games every two years. This format would maintain constant engagement and attract more young people to the Olympic movement.

Future Steps After 2027:

• Expanding the list of esports disciplines.
• Increasing the number of participating countries.
• Collaborating with game developers and esports federations.

The IOC is also actively exploring Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) integration for future competitions. These technologies could elevate esports to a new level and bring it even closer to traditional sports.

Conclusion

The first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2027 will be a landmark event in the development of global digital competition. They will help legitimize and structure esports within the Olympic framework, drawing attention from millions of players and spectators worldwide.

Organizers believe this step will not only strengthen esports’ position but also ensure its sustainable growth in line with Olympic values.

Source: International Olympic Committee