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BREAKING: Olympic Esports Games to Take Place in Saudi Arabia in 2025
As the second final weekend of the Esports World Cup approaches, the esports community is buzzing with monumental news that marks a new era for the industry. The inaugural Olympic Esports Games.
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International Olympic Committee Partners with Saudi NOC for Inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025
In a historic move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a partnership with the Saudi National Olympic Committee (NOC) to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This groundbreaking event is set to feature a diverse range of game titles, further promoting the sport on a global scale. Saudi Arabia, recognized as a major player in the esports arena, is dedicated to celebrating Olympic values while highlighting the future of competitive gaming.
The partnership signals a significant evolution in the legal and organizational framework of esports, aligning it more closely with traditional sports. This development is expected to have profound implications for the regulatory landscape, governance, and international cooperation within the esports community.
The duration of the partnership between the IOC and the Saudi NOC will be 12 years, with Olympic Esports Games held regularly.
Implications for National Teams and Esports Governance
One of the key aspects of this partnership is the potential impact on national teams and the sense of national pride in esports. While these elements are currently underdeveloped compared to traditional sports, the Olympic Esports Games could serve as a catalyst for change. The involvement of the IOC and the structure of the Olympic Games provide a unique opportunity to formalize and elevate the status of national esports teams, fostering a stronger sense of national representation and pride.
This move also underscores the long-term prospects for esports as a legitimate and globally recognized sport. While the short-term impact may be limited, the strategic importance of this partnership cannot be overstated. It sets the stage for future growth, enhanced governance, and increased investment in the esports ecosystem.
Statements from Key Figures
In the official press release, Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, emphasized the significance of this partnership:
“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 honours any athlete can achieve. And we are proud to support the writing of a new chapter in Olympic history that has the potential to inspire new dreams and new ambitions for literally millions of athletes around the world.
As a ‘first’ ever Esports Olympic Games, obviously there is still much to consider and plan with the IOC, but we are committed to hosting a special event that respects and celebrates the Olympic values while boldly seizing the momentum to drive esports forward with the international platform the sport and its athletes deserve. The world will have an open invitation to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together.”
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport in Saudi Arabia, also expressed his enthusiasm:
“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.”
Conclusion
The announcement of the Olympic Esports Games marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of esports. As legal and organizational frameworks continue to develop, the collaboration between the IOC and Saudi NOC sets a precedent for the future of the industry. The esports community eagerly anticipates the inaugural event in 2025, which promises to redefine the landscape of competitive gaming.
Source: IOC
