Saudi-Arabia secures an Olympic first
The first Olympic Games for E-Sports are assigned: Host is Saudi Arabia. Country and IOC agree on a long-term cooperation - and President Thomas Bach believes that this respects the Olympic values and promotes gender equality.
The International Olympic Committee assigns the first Olympic E-Sports Games 2025 to Saudi Arabia. Simultaneously, a twelve-year cooperation with the Golf State was decided upon, as the IOC announced. The IOC Executive Board is expected to propose this at the session preceding the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris.
Recently, it was announced by the IOC that E-Sports Games would be introduced. The hope is to reach a new target group. The Olympic Esports Series game titles have a connection to traditional Olympic sports. There is a mix of physical sport that takes place in a virtual world, such as cycling game "Zwift" and sports-based video games like Gran Turismo. The absence of traditional E-sports titles was a subject of criticism.
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030
The inclusion of E-Sports in the Summer or Winter Games was rejected by IOC Chief Thomas Bach in the past. Now, he said: "Through the partnership with the Saudi NOC, we have ensured that the Olympic values are respected, particularly in relation to the game titles in the program, the promotion of gender equality, and addressing the young audience that is passionate about E-Sports."
Saudi Arabia has been investing massively in sports through its sovereign wealth fund for years and is also already deeply involved in football, boxing, and Formula 1 businesses. There are also entanglements in the gaming industry with the Football World Cup FIFA.
Official goals of the state plan "Vision 2030" include the diversification of the economy, less dependence on oil, opening the country to tourists, and attractive offers for its own population. However, the Kingdom is also accused of using its sports engagement to divert attention from its human rights violations and improve its image.
The first Olympic E-Sports Games will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2025, marking the inclusion of digital sports in the Olympic Games. This decision aligns with Saudi Arabia's commitment to sports and its Vision 2030 plan, which aims to diversify its economy and attract a younger audience through sports and entertainment.
