Inaugural Olympic Esports Games Confirmed For 2027 In Saudi Arabia

The first-ever Olympic Esports Games will now take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, following a revised schedule announced by the International Olympic Committee IOC on Tuesday.

The journey towards the event will begin this year 2025, marking a major step in the integration of esports into the Olympic movement.

The IOC had initially decided during its 142nd Session in July last year to launch the Olympic Esports Games, with plans to hold the first edition in 2025. However, the timeline has now been adjusted.

To organise the event, the IOC is working closely with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

The Esports World Cup Foundation EWCF will also play a key role as a founding partner, bringing its expertise in game selection and competition formats. This partnership aims to create a connection between traditional sports and the rapidly growing esports industry.