Saudi Arabia Hosts Inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025 - Sports

Historic Approval of Olympic Esports Games

The International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) recently made a historic decision by unanimously approving the creation of the Olympic Esports Games ( OEG ) . IOC President Thomas Bach expressed his excitement about this new era for the committee , emphasizing the importance of keeping up with the digital revolution . The esports community has shown great enthusiasm for this initiative , highlighting the attractiveness of the Olympic brand among young people . The NOC of Saudi Arabia is set to play a significant role in the project , bringing valuable experience in the field of esports.

 With the confirmation by the IOC Session of the creation of the Olympic Esports Games , we are keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution . The esports community , represented in our Esports Commission , has enthusiastically engaged with this initiative . This is further proof of the attractivity of the Olympic brand and the values it stands for among young people . The NOC of Saudi Arabia will bring great   if not unique   experience in the field of esports to this project . This partnership is based on the Olympic Charter and the Olympic values.

Saudi Arabia to Host Inaugural Olympic Esports Games

Saudi Arabia Hosts Inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025

Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025 , marking a significant milestone for the country . The decision was made during the 142nd IOC Session , where Bach praised the creation of the Olympic Esports Games as a groundbreaking step . The event is expected to showcase the Kingdom 's commitment to the development of esports and the promotion of gender equality in sports . The IOC 's partnership with Saudi Arabia reflects a broader effort to engage with the digitally native generation and support the country 's progress in popularizing sports , especially among girls and women.

In June , Bach said the IOC 's executive board proposed the start of the OEG . IOC members then confirmed a 12 - year deal with Saudi Arabia to host the event.

"This groundbreaking step follows the IOCs recent announcement that the IOC Executive Board ( EB ) has established Olympic Esports Games , " the IOC also previously noted in a statement.

The collaboration between the IOC and Saudi Arabia comes at a time of significant growth in sports participation in the country . Saudi Arabia has hosted numerous international events , attracting millions of sports fans and elite players from around the world . The Kingdom 's focus on promoting sports , including esports , has led to a threefold increase in sports federations and a significant rise in overall sports participation levels . Additionally , there has been a particular emphasis on the development of women 's sports , with thousands of female athletes now actively participating in various sports competitions.

Overall , the decision to host the Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia is expected to open up new opportunities for athletes and fans worldwide . The event will provide a platform for showcasing the Olympic spirit and values in innovative ways , further strengthening the bond between the global esports community and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.