The International Olympic Committee (IOC), in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, announced the first Esports Olympic Games to be held in 2024. This new initiative enables the IOC to take a big step in the world of esports and stands out as a reflection of the large investments Saudi Arabia has made in esports in recent years.
Saudi Arabia’s big Esports Olympics push
Although Saudi Arabia is a country that is frequently criticized for its human rights violations and anti-LGBTQ+ policies, it has attracted attention by making major investments in esports in recent years. The country’s Public Investment Fund is financing this year’s Esports World Cup, which has caused several controversies. Particularly the inclusion of games known for their inclusive policies, such as Apex Legends, in this event was criticized by many fans.
The IOC decided to organize the Esports Olympic Games with a 12-year agreement with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia. The IOC’s decision is seen as a radical change after just six years ago it described esports as “killer games” and argued that it contradicted Olympic values. The IOC is going to great lengths to portray its new initiative in a positive light, stating that these games will promote gender equality and provide better engagement with the youth audience.
The Esports Olympics to be held in Saudi Arabia will undoubtedly bring with it many discussions. Britain’s national esports body, British eSports, came under criticism last year for its partnership with the Saudi Esports Federation. However, the IOC and Saudi officials argue that this event will protect Olympic values and bring esports to its rightful place on the international platform.
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The first Esports Olympic Games to be held next year will be a major turning point in the world of esports. By closely following the developments regarding the “Esports Olympics”, we will see how this important event will take shape and what kind of change it will create in esports. This major collaboration between the IOC and Saudi Arabia is considered an exciting step for the future of esports.
