The International Olympic Committee has announced that the first Olympic Esports Games will take place in Riyadh in 2027, two years later than initially planned. This decision comes after a 12-year deal was signed with Saudi Arabia last year, with the kingdom's Esports World Cup Foundation being named as the founding partner for the event.
The inaugural Esports World Cup was held in Riyadh last July and August, featuring popular games such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Street Fighter. The event saw significant prize money being awarded to participants.
However, it remains uncertain which shooter games will be included in the Esports Olympics program, as the IOC has emphasized the importance of aligning with Olympic values. A panel of six members, led by veteran IOC member Ser Miang Ng and Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, will be responsible for determining the games program.
Details of the Esports Olympics were finalized following a meeting between Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman and an Olympic delegation, including IOC president Thomas Bach. The 12-year agreement was confirmed last July, positioning the event as a key sporting asset for Saudi Arabia.
Furthermore, FIFA has also designated Saudi Arabia as the host country for the 2034 World Cup in men's soccer, further solidifying the kingdom's presence in the global sports arena.
The vision for the Esports Olympics is to hold the event every two years starting in 2025, featuring a mix of physical, simulated, and electronic games. Qualifying competitions for national teams are expected to commence this year, paving the way for the exciting debut of Esports at the Olympic level.
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