In a historic move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially embraced the “digital revolution” by creating the Olympic Esports Games. This decision, made during the 142 IOC Session on June 23, 2024, marks a significant milestone for the esports community and the broader sports world. The first edition of the Olympic Esports Games will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2025, following unanimous endorsement by the IOC Executive Board. This initiative shows the IOC’s attempt to adapt to modern trends and engage younger audiences through the rapidly growing esports industry.

The IOC’s journey with esports began in 2018 and has evolved through various stages, including the successful Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in 2023. This event showcased the potential of integrating esports into the Olympic framework and set the stage for the creation of the Olympic Esports Games. IOC President Thomas Bach emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “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.”

Saudi Arabia’s involvement in hosting the inaugural Olympic Esports Games is part of a broader strategy under Vision 2030, aimed at transforming the nation into a global hub for sports and entertainment. HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, minister of sport and president of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, highlighted the significance of this partnership, noting, “Our commitment to esports is simply a reflection of the world our young people live in, and we now all have the chance to write new Olympic history together.” The Kingdom has already demonstrated its capability to host major esports events, attracting millions of fans and billions of views globally.

Looking Back: The Olympic Virtual Series and Olympic Esports Week

The IOC’s engagement with esports started to gain momentum with the Olympic Virtual Series in 2021. This event featured five virtual sports, including motorsports, baseball, cycling, rowing and sailing. The Olympic Virtual Series aimed to engage new audiences worldwide and generate excitement ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Despite initial criticism for featuring lesser-known games, the event laid the groundwork for the future integration of esports into the Olympic movement.

The Olympic Esports Week in 2023 built on the momentum of the Virtual Series, featuring a broader range of games and an in-person component. Held in Singapore, this event included popular titles like Rocket League, Fortnite and Street Fighter 6. The Olympic Esports Week attracted significant viewership and participation, which demonstrated the viability of esports within the Olympic framework.

Looking Forward: The 2025 Olympic Esports Games

The upcoming Olympic Esports Games in 2025 represent a landmark moment for the esports industry. This event will not only feature competitive gaming on a global stage but also embody the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. The partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia will likely lead to a well-organized event that reflects the nation’s Vision 2030 initiative, which emphasizes youth engagement and technological advancement.

The Olympic Esports Games will include a wide range of popular esports titles, with a focus on promoting gender equality and engaging young audiences. The event will provide a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and hopefully inspire the next generation of gamers. Details about the specific titles, qualification process and event structure are expected to be announced soon, as the IOC says it works closely with international federations and esports organizations to ensure a successful inaugural edition.

The Esports World Cup: A Global Showcase

The Esports World Cup, launched as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, is set to become one of the industry’s most significant events. The inaugural edition is currently happening from July 3 to Aug. 25, 2024, in Riyadh, featuring a total prize pool of over $60 million and 21 prominent esports titles. This ambitious project aims to bring together elite players and teams from around the world for a high-stakes competition that showcases the best in esports talent.

Among the titles featured in the Esports World Cup are popular games such as Apex Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2 and League of Legends. The teams will compete for substantial prize money and the prestige of being crowned world champions. The event also includes innovative competitions, such as a custom Fortnite island experience and a Teamfight Tactics tournament.

The unique format of the Esports World Cup includes a Club Championship, where the top 16 organizations compete for a separate $20 million prize pool. This competition rewards teams that excel across multiple disciplines, promoting a holistic approach to esports excellence. The Club Championship will incentivize esports organizations to form teams in various games to a more collaborative environment to the games.

Take Notice, AV Industry

The integration of esports into the Olympics and the establishment of the Esports World Cup are not just milestones for competitive gaming but also showcases of the incredible advancements in the audiovisual industry. Events like the Olympic Esports Week in 2023 and the ongoing Esports World Cup in Riyadh utilize AV technology to deliver immersive and high-quality viewing experiences to millions of fans worldwide. These large-scale events highlight the potential for AV industry professionals to capitalize on the growing demand for cutting-edge technology, from sophisticated broadcast systems to interactive display solutions. As esports continues to expand its global footprint, AV integrators, designer and consultants should take note of the opportunities to innovate and supply the ever-evolving needs of this dynamic industry.

Growing Forward

These initiatives not only provide new opportunities for esports athletes but also help to legitimize competitive gaming as a mainstream sport. I believe the commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as seen in the support for female esports events, will prove crucial for the continued growth and development of the industry.

As esports continues to evolve, it is essential for stakeholders to address ongoing challenges, such as issues of representation and harassment that plague the gaming community. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, the esports community can ensure that all players, regardless of gender or background, have the opportunity to thrive. The Olympic Esports Games and the Esports World Cup are just the beginning of a new era in competitive gaming, one that promises to bring exciting developments and opportunities for years to come.