Riyadh has officially secured its place in esports history, as the Saudi capital is set to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2027. Announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the event marks a groundbreaking moment, merging the fast-paced world of competitive gaming with the prestige of the Olympic Movement.
The Olympic Esports Games will not only bring elite gamers from around the world to Riyadh, but also redefine the relationship between esports and traditional sports, showcasing the rising cultural, economic, and social impact of gaming.
A Partnership to Shape the Future of Esports
The IOC is working closely with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) to design and deliver the Games, with support from the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) as the Founding Partner.
The EWCF, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering the growth of esports globally, brings valuable expertise in game selection, tournament formats, and competitive structures. Together, the IOC, SOPC, and EWCF aim to build a new global platform, where national pride, competitive excellence, and technological innovation converge.
A joint committee, chaired by IOC Member Ser Miang Ng and co-chaired by Saudi Minister of Sports and SOPC President, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, has already been established. This committee is responsible for finalizing the list of games, creating qualification pathways, and ensuring the competitive integrity of the Olympic Esports Games.
Building on Saudi Arabia’s Esports Momentum
Hosting the inaugural Olympic Esports Games is a natural next step for Saudi Arabia, which has rapidly emerged as a global leader in esports and gaming innovation.
In 2024, Riyadh welcomed the world’s best esports players for the first-ever Esports World Cup (EWC), held at Boulevard Riyadh City. Featuring 21 game titles, a record-breaking $60 million prize pool, and over 500 teams from around the world, the EWC firmly established the Kingdom as a global esports powerhouse.
The EWC’s success continues in 2025, with even more games being added, including chess, which will be played in a high-speed 10/0 ultra-blitz format designed to match the high-energy atmosphere of esports. Riot Games has also partnered with the EWC, bringing League of Legends, Valorant, and Teamfight Tactics to the 2025 lineup.
A Vision for Esports and Beyond
The Olympic Esports Games isn’t just about competition – it’s about bridging the gap between esports and traditional sports, aligning competitive gaming with the values of the Olympic Movement: excellence, respect, and friendship.
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal emphasized that the Road to the Olympic Esports Games begins as early as 2025, with a clear pathway for athletes, teams, and nations to compete for glory on the global stage. This timeline reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to nurturing esports talent and creating opportunities for players of all backgrounds.
“Saudi Arabia is proud to host the world’s first Olympic Esports Games,” said Prince Abdulaziz. “We look forward to welcoming the global esports community and providing a platform where players can achieve their dreams – just as we are seeing across so many sports in the Kingdom today.”
The hosting of the Olympic Esports Games also fits seamlessly into Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, where sports, tourism, and youth engagement play key roles in economic diversification and cultural enrichment.
Saudi Arabia’s sports sector has grown exponentially since 2015, with more than 100 international events – including football, motorsports, tennis, and equestrian competitions – attracting millions of fans and athletes. Participation in sports across the Kingdom has tripled, and the number of official sports federations has grown from 32 to 97.
Esports is a vital part of this growth story, with Riyadh positioning itself as a global hub for competitive gaming, gaming innovation, and youth engagement.
What to Expect
The Olympic Esports Games will feature a diverse lineup of games, from popular esports titles to innovative new formats designed to test strategy, reflexes, and teamwork at the highest level.
While the full list of games is still being finalized, the inclusion of strategy games, sports simulations, and fast-paced competitive titles is expected – ensuring the Games reflect the diverse nature of esports culture.
With Saudi Arabia’s proven ability to host large-scale events and its commitment to developing esports talent, the Olympic Esports Games 2027 promises to be a historic fusion of competition, culture, and innovation.
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