Tuesday, July 23, 2024, was a historic day for the esports community as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to create the Olympic Esports Games.
Saudi Arabia, striving to become the world’s gaming hub, will host the inaugural edition in 2025 after the 142nd IOC Session unanimously approved the IOC Executive Board’s proposal.
The IOC has teamed up with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia for 12 years, recognising the Kingdom’s hosting credentials following numerous top-tier esports events staged in the desert.
While waiting for the Olympic Esports Games to launch in 2025, the Saudis hosted the maiden Esports World Cup this summer, welcoming over 1,700 household players from over 80 countries.
It’s fair to say the tournament exceeded the expectations. But it’s worth mentioning that the Esports World Cup isn’t an isolated case, with Saudi Arabia becoming well-versed in hosting major gaming events.
Over the past few years, esports occasions in Saudi Arabia have witnessed nearly four million fans enjoying live events in the Kingdom, attracting a further 1.3 billion views on several streaming platforms.
Gaming has developed into a global megatrend, and the Saudis have embraced it with open arms, with almost 67% of the Kingdom’s population considering themselves gamers.
Saudi Arabia’s agreement with the IOC is part of the Kingdom’s famous ‘Vision 2030’ project, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2016.
It’s part of the government’s effort to diversify the country’s economy and transform society, aimed at helping the Kingdom escape from the shackles of conservative religious framework.
The partnership with the IOC aligns with Vision 2030’s bid to promote esports and attract global events to Saudi Arabia, particularly on the eve of the 2034 FIFA World Cup that will take place in the Middle East.
IOC President Thomas Bach sees this arrangement as a history-defining moment for esports.
“This is truly a new era for the IOC,” he said. “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.”