Image Credit: Olympics.com
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have entered into a significant partnership, establishing Saudi Arabia as the regular host for the Olympic eSports Games for the next 12 years. This agreement marks a major milestone for both the Kingdom and the global eSports community.
The first Olympic eSports Games will take place in Riyadh next year. Although the specific dates for future events have yet to be announced, this inaugural event is eagerly anticipated by many. Saudi Arabia’s sports minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, emphasized the country’s growing influence in the eSports arena, stating, "Saudi Arabia has become a global hub for professional eSports. This is a natural next step for our young athletes, our country, and the global eSports community."
Before the partnership can be fully implemented, it requires ratification by the IOC membership. This is scheduled to take place during the upcoming meeting on the 23rd and 24th of this month in Paris, just ahead of the Summer Olympic Games. Given that the deal has already been agreed upon, the ratification process is expected to be a mere formality.
Prince Abdulaziz expressed his enthusiasm on the social media platform X, saying, "We are excited to partner with the IOC and plan together the first-ever Olympic eSports Games. A bright new era begins. Another huge addition to our lineup of major sporting events. Welcome to Saudi Arabia." This partnership is seen as a significant addition to Saudi Arabia's impressive roster of major sporting events, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to expanding its influence in the sports world.
IOC President Thomas Bach also highlighted the importance of this collaboration. He noted, "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." Bach's comments underscore the IOC's recognition of Saudi Arabia's leadership and expertise in the eSports sector.
The financial model for the Olympic eSports Games will differ from that of the traditional Summer and Winter Games. Unlike these established events, which share revenue with the governing bodies of the participating sports, the eSports Games will adopt a unique financial structure. This adjustment aims to cater specifically to the needs and dynamics of the eSports industry.
This partnership is expected to bring significant benefits to both Saudi Arabia and the global eSports community. For Saudi Arabia, hosting the Olympic eSports Games will further solidify its position as a leading destination for major international sporting events. For the global eSports community, the regular hosting of the Games in Saudi Arabia promises a stable and supportive environment for the growth and development of professional eSports.
In conclusion, the agreement between Saudi Arabia and the IOC represents a landmark development in the world of eSports. With the Kingdom set to host the Olympic eSports Games for the next 12 years, both parties are poised to usher in a new era of growth and collaboration in this exciting and rapidly evolving field. The inaugural event in Riyadh next year will undoubtedly set the stage for many successful editions to come.