The International Olympic Committee has approved the creation of the Olympic Esports Games (OEG) in a historic vote, with the inaugural games scheduled to take place in 2025 in Saudi Arabia. IOC President Thomas Bach hailed the decision as a new era for the committee and a way to keep up with the digital revolution. Esports, which are video games played in organized and competitive environments, can be played at professional or amateur levels. The IOC has not yet announced which games will be featured in the competition.
Esports within the Olympics has long been a controversial topic, and social media users had mixed reactions to the news. Some celebrated the move as a significant step for the industry and hoped it would bring more money into esports. Others expressed concerns over whether gamers should be considered athletes and questioned the decision to include esports in the Olympics. Despite the mixed reactions, Alban Dechelotte, the CEO of G2 Esports, confirmed that the competition will be open to all gamers regardless of gender or sexuality.
The decision to hold the Olympic Esports Games in Saudi Arabia has raised criticism due to the country’s human rights record, including its treatment of LGBTQ individuals. Critics have accused Saudi Arabia of “sportswashing” to distract from these abuses. However, Dechelotte stated that the competition will be inclusive and open to all, emphasizing that the Olympics are about bringing people together regardless of their background or beliefs. It remains to be seen how the controversy surrounding the location of the games will impact the event.
Despite the controversy, the approval of the Olympic Esports Games marks a significant moment for the esports industry. The inclusion of esports in the Olympics provides a platform for gamers to showcase their skills on a global stage and potentially attract new audiences to the sport. The decision reflects the growing popularity of esports and the recognition of gaming as a legitimate form of entertainment and competition. As the esports community eagerly awaits the announcement of the featured games, the upcoming Olympic Esports Games have the potential to be a groundbreaking event.
The IOC’s approval of the Olympic Esports Games is a testament to the growing appeal of esports and its ability to engage young people around the world. The decision represents a significant milestone for the industry and highlights the potential for esports to become a mainstream form of entertainment. With the backing of the Olympic Committee, the Olympic Esports Games have the opportunity to bring gaming to a wider audience and legitimize esports as a competitive sport. As preparations for the inaugural games in 2025 continue, the esports community looks forward to participating in this historic event.
