The International Olympic Committee has high hopes for e-sports.

With a vision for the future and a strategic economic plan, the International Olympic Committee has approved the organization of the first eSports Games. Accordingly, Saudi Arabia will host the first edition in 2025, to introduce an innovative approach to revolutionize the sport through this event.

During the 13th Olympic Summit chaired by President Thomas Bach, the IOC discussed a range of important topics, including the Summer Olympic Games Paris 2024, the upcoming Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 and one of the hottest technology trends: the prospects of Artificial Intelligence and what it means in the coming years as well as eSports .

Saudi Arabia will host the first edition of the eSports Olympics in 2025 (photo: insidethegames)

About the AI ​​Agenda, launched in April 2024: this is the third part of a trilogy of strategic projects launched under President Bach’s leadership. This document addresses the expected impact that AI can have on sport, following on from Agenda 2020 and Olympic Agenda 2020+5, launched in 2014 and 2021 respectively.

Meanwhile, the ambitious Olympic eSports Games, set to launch in Saudi Arabia in 2025, represent an effort to engage the younger generation and tap into new revenue streams. With a cutting-edge approach, the Games will combine traditional eSports, simulation games and digital versions of physical sports.

The initiative not only aims to capitalize on the booming global esports industry but also ensure alignment with Olympic values. According to the IOC, International Federations have developed esports for the sports prioritized in the project, creating a solid and experienced foundation.

The conference also announced the creation of a unique organizational model for the Olympic eSports Games. Unlike the traditional structure of an organizing committee and a coordination committee, the format will have a joint committee headed by IOC member Ser Miang Ng and Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Saud, President of the Saudi Arabian National Olympic Committee.

The model addresses the need for esports to prove itself as a financially independent initiative. Strategic oversight will be provided by Zeynep Gencaga Dechelotte, a veteran of the gaming and esports industry with over 15 years of experience. Formerly an executive at Ubisoft, Dechelotte will lead the planning for the Games, drawing on expertise gained from his time at Riot Games and other major industry players.

Saudi Arabia not only hosted the inaugural edition, but also secured the rights to host the Olympic eSports Games until 2037. This is in line with the Kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and position the country as a leader in international sporting events. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Saud highlighted the importance of the project: "With over 23 million gamers, our country welcomes the future with open arms. Hosting these Games reflects our passion for sports and our vision to become a global eSports hub."

Since 2018, Saudi Arabia has hosted more than 100 major international sporting events, attracting millions of fans. The country’s growing enthusiasm for esports is evident in the numbers: 67% of Saudis identify as gamers, while overall sports participation has tripled in less than a decade.

Esports, a multi-billion dollar industry, presents a unique opportunity for the International Olympic Committee. With a global audience of young people, it is emerging as a key tool to energize the Olympic Movement. The inclusion of sports simulators and popular titles such as League of Legends and Valorant will bridge the gap between generations of athletes and fans.

Furthermore, the appointment of Turkish CEO Dechelotte as Deputy Director of Esports at the International Olympic Committee underscores the seriousness of this initiative. Her tenure at leading companies such as Riot Games and Ubisoft makes her a key figure in shaping the future of this vertical. Her main challenges will include integrating esports into the Olympic framework while ensuring both sustainability and innovation.

The launch of the Olympic eSports Games marks a turning point in the evolution of modern sport. By combining tradition with technology, the IOC not only expands its reach but also establishes its position in a rapidly growing market. Saudi Arabia, with its bold vision and vast resources, will serve as the epicenter of this movement until 2037.

This partnership between the International Olympic Committee and the Kingdom sets a model that could inspire other sports and future events. As the Olympic movement grows, the message is clear: esports are here to stay and their impact will rival any traditional sport, with millions of eyes watching the first edition in 2025.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/uy-ban-olympic-quoc-te-ki-vong-o-the-thao-dien-tu-20241216135834205.htm