The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that the first Olympic Esports Games will happen in 2027, despite rumors that they might be pushed back.
According to the release, the Esports World Cup Foundation EWCF and the IOC will work together to “align national esports ecosystems with broader global standards” and to create appropriate pathways for qualification.
The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) will also work with the International Olympic Committee IOC at the Olympic Esports Games.
In the words of IOC president Thomas Bach, “There is now a very clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games.”
Find all you need to know about the Olympic esports games in this post, put together by the expert, Kate Richardson.
What Are Olympic Esports Games All About?
Every year, the IOC hosts the Olympic Esports Series, a multi-sport tournament inspired by the Olympic Games that brings together several forms of electronic sports and video games. The first edition took place in Singapore in June 2023, following a buildup of interest in esports that started in 2007 and a 2021 Olympic Virtual Series that was exclusively available online.
The series has computer games that are based on traditional Olympic sports that were chosen by international federations. And instead of the regular medals, winners get gold, silver, and bronze trophies.
Given the growing popularity of esports, it’s no surprise that many fans are eager to engage with their favorite games beyond just playing. In fact, some enthusiasts even enjoy betting on esports tournaments. If that sounds like you, then you’re in luck. Experts from MightyTips have weighed in on the best platforms for those looking to explore this aspect of esports, and here are their top four picks:
- Boomerang
- BillyBets
- Frumzi
- 20Bet
Inaugural Olympic Esports Games To Be Held in 2027 in Saudi Arabia
By hosting an Olympic-style event featuring a wide variety of virtual sports and video games, the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games hope to unite conventional sports with esports.
Esports are becoming increasingly popular, and this idea seeks to include them within the Olympic Movement to increase digital engagement and attract younger viewers.
The event focuses on competition in electronic sports that are in line with traditional Olympic ideals. It also encourages people from all over the world to take part and shows off the skill and agility that may be found in esports.
Olympic Games Approved By the International Olympic Committee
In case you were wondering which games will be featured at the Olympic Esports Games starting in 2027, here they are:
- Archery: Tic Tac Bow (played in 2023 in Singapore)
- Bicycle Race: Zwift (played in 2003 in Singapore)
- Baseball: WBSC eBaseball Power Pros (played in 2003 in Singapore)
- Dance: Just Dance
Chess: Chess.com (played in 2023 in Singapore) - Sailing: Virtual Regatta (played in 2003 in Singapore)
- Motorsport: Gran Turismo 7 (played in 2003 in Singapore)
- Tennis: Tennis Clash
- Taekwondo: Virtual Taekwondo (played in 2003 in Singapore)
As the International Olympic Committee (IOC) considers including more well-known esports titles to increase the event’s diversity and appeal, this list might get longer as time goes on. Esports writer Slasher suggests the following games for the esports games starting this year:
- FIFA
- League of Legends
- iRacing
- NBA2K
- Street Fighter
- Rocket League
- Tekken
Exclusions
Keep in mind that the Olympic Esports Games to be held in Riyadh in 2027 will not feature first-person shooter (FPS) games, and here’s why: the International Olympic Committee considers them violent, and that goes against the Olympic principles of fostering peace and respect through sport. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Sport has the power to change the world.”
The IOC’s decision to exclude FPS games aligns with this vision. So, it’s quite unlikely you’ll be seeing Counter-Strike: Global Offensive or the Call of Duty series at the Olympic Esports games this year.
Where Will the Olympic Esports Games Take Place in 2025?
The original plan was for Saudi Arabia to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games for 12 years, beginning in 2025. However, since it was recently pushed back, the event will not happen as planned. The earliest possible date seems to be 2027 because 2026 will be a busy year for both e-sports and the Winter Olympics. The delay is likely to affect the teams, players, and organizations that were already getting set, but the IOC hasn’t made an official announcement about the new schedule yet.
Final Thoughts
The Olympics Esports Games are a big step towards making esports a normal part of sports. To increase the event’s popularity, the International Olympic Committee is considering integrating Olympic principles with competitive gaming. Adding additional popular titles to an already impressive roster, the Olympic Esports Games are shaping up to be a major event in the world of esports.
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