Which Country Will Host the First Esports Olympics? What Games Will Be Included?

With advancing technology, sports competitions are also evolving. The world's first Esports Olympics is set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, giving Esports players their own Olympic-style tournament.

The International Olympic Committee announced on February 11, 2025, that Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in two years as part of a 12-year agreement with the kingdom that was struck last year.

IOC’s Interest in Esports

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been exploring Esports for years. To engage the younger generation, they formed a special team to find ways to incorporate gaming into the Olympics.

As the traditional Olympic audience ages, the IOC is looking for ways to attract younger fans. Esports provides an opportunity to connect with a new generation of sports enthusiasts.

The Journey to the First Olympic Esports Games

Before finalizing Saudi Arabia as the host country, the IOC launched the Olympic Virtual Series in 2021 as a test project for esports in the Olympic framework. In 2023, they officially announced the first-ever Olympic Esports Games, scheduled to take place in Riyadh in 2027.

IOC’s Statement on the Esports Olympics

IOC President Thomas Bach stated:
"There is now a very clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games."
He also added, "The Olympic Esports Games are becoming a reality as the journey to the Games begins this year."

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IOC Committee for Esports

A six-member committee has been established to decide which games will be included in the inaugural Esports Olympics. The selection process will determine which popular titles will feature in the competition.

Saudi Arabia’s Growing Investments in Sports

Saudi Arabia has invested billions of dollars in various sporting events, including golf, soccer, Formula One, and boxing. However, the country has faced criticism for using sports as a means of "sportswashing"—a term used to describe efforts to improve its global image despite human rights concerns.

Saudi Arabia, which is set to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, has denied all allegations regarding human rights violations, maintaining that its growing involvement in sports is part of its vision for global sports development.