The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that the inaugural Olympic Esports Games will be rescheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027. Originally planned for 2025, the event’s road to competition is set to begin this year, marking a significant milestone for esports enthusiasts worldwide.
During the 142nd IOC Session last July, the Executive Board unanimously decided to create the Olympic Esports Games, reflecting the growing recognition of esports as a global phenomenon. The IOC has partnered with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committees to organize the event, ensuring a grand stage for the world’s top esports athletes.
The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will join as a founding partner, bringing its expertise in game selection and tournament structuring. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between emerging esports and traditional sports, paving the way for a new era of competitive gaming on an international scale.
To uphold integrity and promote sustainable growth within the esports community, the IOC and EWCF will work closely with key stakeholders to establish qualification pathways and global standards. This initiative ensures that players from around the world have a fair chance to compete at the highest level.
“There is now a very clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “With the road to the Olympic Esports Games starting this year, the Games are becoming a reality.”
A joint committee, chaired by IOC member Ser Miang Ng and co-chaired by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, has been established to steer preparations. This team will define the competitions that will feature in the inaugural Games, promising an exciting and diverse lineup of esports disciplines.
Saudi Arabia expressed its enthusiasm for hosting the event, with hopes of making esports dreams come true for competitors worldwide. The country is no stranger to hosting major sporting events, having recently welcomed international competitions in football, motorsports, tennis, equestrian, and golf.
The Olympic Esports Games in Riyadh are set to be a groundbreaking event, uniting gamers and sports fans alike in a celebration of skill, strategy, and innovation. As the road to 2027 begins, the global esports community eagerly anticipates what promises to be a historic moment in competitive gaming.
