The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This historic proposal will be presented to the upcoming IOC Session, scheduled to take place on the eve of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Following the approval at the IOC Session, preparations will begin to select the host city and venue, determine the event's specific timing, choose the esports titles to be included, and establish the qualification process for players. Additional details surrounding the Games will also be finalized during this planning phase.
The IOC emphasized that international federations already engaged in esports disciplines considered for inclusion in the Olympic Esports Games will be the first partners in this initiative. Similarly, National Olympic Committees that have integrated esports into their activities will play a key role in the development of the Games.
In addition to hosting the event, the IOC announced the creation of a new dedicated structure within its organization specifically for the Olympic Esports Games. This structure will operate independently from the traditional organizational and financial models of the Olympic Games to better address the unique nature of esports.
\"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. The Olympic Esports Games will greatly benefit from this experience,\" said IOC President Thomas Bach. \"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.\"
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IOC announces inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025
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