Saudi Arabia and IOC Ink Historic Deal to Host Esports Olympics

Saudi Arabia and the International Olympic Committee have partnered for their first commercial deal, with the kingdom set to host the inaugural Esports Olympics next year. The 12-year partnership aims to promote esports globally, complementing Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 program to modernize its economy and society.

Saudi Arabia and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are entering into their first commercial agreement, with the oil-rich kingdom poised to host the inaugural Esports Olympics next year. This groundbreaking partnership will span 12 years, with frequent Olympic Esports Games, the IOC announced Friday.

The collaboration was unveiled during Riyadh's two-month Esports World Cup. This represents the first formal hosting or sponsorship pact between the IOC and Saudi Arabia, marking the latest addition to the kingdom's extensive portfolio of sporting events. Saudi Arabia is also awaiting confirmation to stage the 2034 FIFA World Cup in December.

This venture aligns with the Vision 2030 program, a strategic initiative led by Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the Saudi economy away from oil dependence and modernize the country. Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal emphasized the nation's emergence as a global esports hub, describing the partnership as a natural progression for the country's young athletes and the global esports community.

As part of its strategy to attract younger audiences, the IOC announced plans last month to launch video gaming Olympics. The Saudi deal, expected to receive the IOC membership's formal approval in Paris on July 23-24, underscores the kingdom’s expertise in the esports domain. IOC President Thomas Bach lauded the collaboration's potential to leverage Saudi Arabia's unique esports landscape.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has hosted major boxing events, launched the LIV Golf project as a rival to the PGA Tour, and secured the 2027 Asian Cup, the 2029 Asian Winter Games, and the 2034 Asian Games. Despite these achievements, critics argue that the kingdom's foray into international sports serves as “sportswashing” to improve its human rights reputation.