Olympic Esports Games to Debut in Saudi Arabia, Boosting Global Recognition for the Sport

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia in 2025. This landmark event aims to elevate esports globally. The decision highlights India's growing prominence in esports, supported by key industry figures and initiatives to foster the sport as a viable career.

In a groundbreaking decision, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has unveiled plans for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia, set for 2025. The announcement follows the IOC Executive Board’s recent proposal and will be discussed at the upcoming IOC Session before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The IOC has entered a 12-year partnership with Saudi Arabia's National Olympic Committee (NOC) to host the event. HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, remarked, 'The world is invited to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together.'

The Indian esports sector, already on the ascent, stands to benefit significantly from this new development. Following a bronze medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and appearances in five titles at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, India’s esports scene is poised for further growth. Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and MD of NODWIN Gaming, expressed enthusiasm, stating, 'NODWIN Gaming is thrilled that esports has earned its place in the Olympics with its own standalone event. This recognition allows countries to develop independent esports programs. Together with our partners in the GEF and the EWC, NODWIN Gaming is eager to build esports in our core growth markets.'

The IOC first launched an esports initiative in 2021 with the Olympic Virtual Series, followed by the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in June 2023, attracting over 130 players and six million views. Roby John, CEO and Co-founder of SuperGaming, commented, 'The IOC's embrace of Olympic Esports Games honors the dedication and skill of millions of gamers worldwide, encouraging international collaboration and possibly ushering in a new generation of athletes.'

With the IOC's announcement, work will begin on selecting the host city, event timing, game titles, and qualification processes. The potential inclusion of various games could stimulate growth in India's gaming industry, boosting PC and console gaming in a market largely dominated by mobile gaming. Vishal Parekh, COO of CyberPowerPC India, said, 'We're excited about the Olympic Esports Games. This will further legitimize esports as a career and empower the Indian sector.'