2025 Olympic Esports Games Set to Take Place in Saudi Arabia
The Olympic Esports Games are set to debut in Saudi Arabia in 2025, and will continue to be held regularly for the next 12 years, in line with the initial duration of the partnership.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has revealed a collaboration with Saudi Arabia's National Olympic Committee (NOC) for the first-ever Olympic Esports Games. The Olympic Esports Games will be formally introduced at the upcoming IOC Session, shortly before the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This agreement shows Saudi Arabia's increasing interest in entering the esports field, building on its successful hosting of numerous global tournaments. The games are part of a 12-year partnership, which will add to the kingdom’s growing portfolio of such events. Saudi Arabia launched an annual Esports World Cup, currently being held in Riyadh from July 3 to August 25, which features popular games and has the largest prize pool in Esports history.
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The IOC and the NOC of Saudi Arabia have not disclosed specific event details, stating in a release that preparations will begin to select a city and venue for the first Olympic Esports Games. This process will commence following the official approval of the games by the IOC Board.
The IOC and Saudi NOC anticipate that the Olympic Esports Games will occur regularly throughout the duration of the agreement.
In 2025, the event will gather the world’s best players to compete for their national teams, combining the tradition of the Olympic Games with the popularity of esports.