Esports Olympics to be hosted by Saudi Arabia for 12 years

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is partnering with Saudi Arabia for the first Olympic Esports Games in 2025.

Under the Saudi National Olympic Committee (NOC) and the IOC’s agreement, Saudi Arabia will host the competition for 12 years.

“We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi NOC on the Olympic Esports Games, because it has great – if not unique – expertise in the field of esports with all its stakeholders,” remarked IOC President Thomas Bach.

“The Olympic Esports Games will greatly benefit from this experience,” he added.

“By partnering with the Saudi NOC, we have also ensured that the Olympic values are respected, in particular, with regard to the game titles on the program, the promotion of gender equality, and engagement with the young audience, which is embracing esports.”

A new era for international sports

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, also stated, “Saudi Arabia is hugely excited by the prospect of partnering with the IOC and helping to welcome a completely new era for international sport.”

“We believe that to take part in the Olympic Games is one of the greatest honors any athlete can achieve.”

He added that the milestone is the “writing of a new chapter in Olympic history”. He believes it has the potential to encourage new dreams and ambitions for athletes across the globe.

Propelling esports to the international platform

Concerning the first-ever esports Olympic games, he assured that Saudi Arabia is committed to celebrating Olympic values. They also aim to catapult esports to the international platform, especially with the kingdom having more than 23 million gamers.

“The world will have an open invitation to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together,” he said.

“Supported by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, our Kingdom has become a global hub for professional esports.”

“Hosting this event is the result of a rich past, an exciting present, and a promising future for the industry in the Kingdom.”

“This is a natural next step for our young athletes, our country, and the global esports community.”

Saudi Arabia, an international sporting events hub

Saudi Arabia is no novice when it comes to hosting international sporting events. In fact, since 2018, it has staged more than 100 international events, from esports, football, tennis, golf, and motorsports.

With esports interwoven into Saudi society and culture, 67 percent of Saudi nationals consider themselves gamers. Among these, 100 have pursued the sport professionally.

In June 2024, Saudi authorities announced it would issue e-visas for Esports World Cup ticket holders.

Following the NOC’s announcement, the search is on for a venue for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games. It will announce more details the event’s timing, titles included, and qualification process in the coming months.

Photo by Florian Olivo on Unsplash