The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has partnered with Saudi Arabia’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) to host the first Olympic Esports Games in 2025.

The IOC and Saudi NOC have agreed to a 12-year partnership to host regular Olympic Esports Games.

“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. 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.” IOC President Thomas Bach.

Saudi Arabia’s partnership with the IOC coincides with its strong growth in sports, encouraged by Vision 2030 improvements. Since 2018, the Kingdom has hosted over 100 international sporting events, encompassing esports, football, motorsports, tennis, equestrian, and golf, drawing a collective audience of over 2.6 million sports fans.

Sport has integrated deeply into Saudi Arabian daily life, from grassroots to professional levels. Sports participation has increased significantly since 2015, with nearly half of Saudi Arabia’s population now actively involved.

“Saudi Arabia is hugely excited by the prospect of partnering with the IOC and helping to welcome a completely new era for international sport. We believe that to take part in the Olympic Games is one of the greatest honours any athlete can achieve. 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”. HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee

“As a ‘first’ ever Esports Olympic Games, obviously there is still much to consider and plan with the IOC, but we are committed to hosting a special event that respects and celebrates the Olympic values while boldly seizing the momentum to drive esports forward with the international platform the sport and its athletes deserve. The world will have an open invitation to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together.“ he added.

The number of sports federations has also tripled, rising from 32 to 98, showcasing growth exemplified by entities like the Saudi Esports Federation. Gaming has also boomed, with 67% of Saudis identifying as gamers and 100 professional esports athletes now pursuing full-time careers.

With the partnership in place, and the decision which will be taken by the IOC Session, work will begin on selecting a city and venue for the inaugural edition of the Olympic Esports Games, the specific timing of the event, the titles to be included, the qualification process for the players and further details.

The IOC has already emphasised that International Federations already engaged in an e-version of their sport that is considered for inclusion in the Olympic Esports Games will be the IOC’s first go-to partners along with National Olympic Committees that already include esports in their activities.