Saudi Arabia to host the first Esports Olympic Games in 2025

In a landmark announcement on Friday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revealed that Saudi Arabia will host the first-ever Esports Olympic Games in 2025.

 This event, which will be held "regularly" over the next twelve years, signifies a significant development in the realm of competitive gaming. 

The decision, a result of months of deliberation to create an event distinct from the traditional Olympic Games, awaits formal approval from the IOC's 142nd session in Paris on July 23-24. 

However, this step is largely considered a formality.

This move further solidifies Saudi Arabia's growing influence in global sports, as the kingdom has increasingly become a hub for hosting major competitions, including football, Formula 1, equestrian events, and boxing. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is expected to be officially designated later this year as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, being the sole candidate.

IOC President Thomas Bach praised the "great expertise - if not unique" of the Saudi National Olympic Committee (NOC) in the field of esports. According to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, the Saudi Minister of Sports, the kingdom boasts "more than 23 million gamers."

"The work will begin with the selection of a city and site for the inaugural Esports Olympic Games, along with the development of a precise event schedule, the titles to be included, and the qualification process for players," the IOC detailed. 

The committee has invited "international federations that have already launched an electronic version of their sport" to participate in the upcoming competition.

Aware of the controversies surrounding Saudi Arabia's burgeoning sports profile, often criticized for alleged attempts to divert attention from its human rights record, Thomas Bach assured that the partnership would uphold "Olympic values."

The IOC emphasized the "rapid development" of women's sports in Saudi Arabia, highlighting regulatory reforms that ensure female representation on the boards of all sports federations and equal pay for male and female athletes selected for national teams.