IOC launches esports Olympics in Saudi Arabia

Field Level Media|published: Fri 12th July, 14:02 2024

Dresden Lewis, 20, of Matawan looks over some of the possible weapons available as he plays Valorant with the Brookdale team. Brookdale Community College has built an esports arena where students and the community can practice video gaming. It's the latest step in joining a rapidly growing industry. As part of it, the college also has introduced its first varsity esports team featuring 19 players for three different games.

The International Olympic Committee is launching the Olympic Esports Games 2025, with the competition to be held in Saudi Arabia.

The IOC made the announcement Friday in conjunction with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia.

It is the latest foray into sports for Saudi Arabia, which funds the LIV Golf League and has partnerships with both the men's and women's tennis tours among its investments.

The partnership between the IOC and the Saudi committee will run for 12 years, with the Olympic Esports Games scheduled to be "held regularly," according to an IOC news release.

"We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi NOC on the Olympic Esports Games, because it has great -- if not unique -- expertise in the field of esports with all its stakeholders. The Olympic Esports Games will greatly benefit from this experience," IOC president Thomas Bach said in the release. "By partnering with the Saudi NOC we have also ensured that the Olympic values are respected, in particular, with regard to the game titles on the programme, the promotion of gender equality and engagement with the young audience, which is embracing esports."

A Saudi official said the kingdom is excited about the agreement.

"We believe that to take part in the Olympic Games is one of the greatest honours any athlete can achieve," said Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, minister of sport and president of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

"And we are proud to support the writing of a new chapter in Olympic history that has the potential to inspire new dreams and new ambitions for literally millions of athletes around the world."

--Field Level Media