A Groundbreaking Announcement
The International Olympic Committee has declared a historic collaboration. It is with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia. It is they who will host the first Olympic Esports Games in 2025. The International Olympic Committee made this big decision. It did so after its Executive Board approved the Olympic Esports Games. They will present the proposal at the upcoming IOC Session on the eve of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Long-Term Partnership
The International Olympic Committee and the Saudi National Olympic Committee are partners. They will work together for 12 years. The partnership ensures regular esports games at the Olympic Games. They will do so from now on.
We are fortunate to collaborate with the Saudi National Olympic Committee. It is for the Olympic Esports Games. Their unparalleled expertise in esports will be invaluable,” remarked IOC President Thomas Bach. We ensure that we follow Olympic values by joining the Saudi National Olympic Committee. This is true for selecting games. It is also true for promoting gender equality and engaging with the youth.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Esports
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal is the Minister of Sport. He is also the President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Saudi Arabia is excited about the partnership, he said.
We are thrilled to be partnering with the International Olympic Committee. We are starting a new era for international sport. Participating in the Olympic Games is a great honour for any athlete.
Active sentence: “We are thrilled to partner with the IOC and start a new era for international sport.” Any athlete considers participating in the Olympic Games one of the greatest honors.
We are proud to contribute to this new chapter in Olympic history, which will inspire millions of athletes worldwide.”
Commitment to Olympic Values
Prince Abdulaziz emphasized the importance of planning and collaboration with the IOC to ensure that the event respects and celebrates Olympic values while advancing esports on an international platform. He extended an open invitation to the world to join Saudi Arabia in 2025 for this historic celebration.
A Youthful and Thriving Esports Nation
With over 23 million gamers, Saudi Arabia is a youthful nation embracing innovation and new partnerships. Supported by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom has become a global hub for professional esports. Hosting the Olympic Esports Games is a natural progression for Saudi Arabia’s young athletes and the global esports community.
Vision 2030 and Sports
Growth
This partnership coincides with Saudi Arabia’s social and economic transformation under Vision 2030, which has significantly boosted the country’s sports sector. Since 2018, Saudi Arabia has hosted over 100 international sports events, attracting more than 2.6 million fans. Sports participation levels have tripled since 2015, with nearly 50% of the population now engaged in sports activities.
Rising Number of Sports Federations
The number of sports federations in Saudi Arabia has increased from 32 to 98, reflecting the country’s growing interest in various sports, including esports. Approximately 67% of Saudis identify as gamers, and the number of professional esports players has risen to 100.
Empowerment of Women in Sports
Women’s sports have seen remarkable growth, with nearly half of Saudi Arabia’s 23 million gamers being female. There are now over 330,000 registered female athletes and almost 40 women’s national teams competing internationally. Grassroots sports are flourishing, with 70,000 schoolgirls participating in the school football league weekly. Regulatory reforms ensure female representation on all sports federation boards, with over 100 women, including seven female federation presidents, now appointed.
Equal Pay for Athletes
In Saudi Arabia, both male and female athletes receive equal pay when representing the nation in their respective sports, highlighting the country’s commitment to gender equality.
Promoting Female Participation in Esports
Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, an IOC Member and President of the Women’s Committee, highlighted the exciting trend of increasing female participation in esports. She emphasized the positive impact of Vision 2030 and the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on women’s empowerment in sports and society. Princess Reema looks forward to the Olympic Esports Games as a platform for greater female participation globally in a safe and inclusive environment.
Preparing for the Inaugural Event
Following the IOC’s announcement, preparations for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games will commence, including the selection of a host city and venue, event timing, game titles, player qualification processes, and other essential details.
Collaboration with International Federations
The IOC has prioritized collaboration with International Federations already involved in esports, ensuring their inclusion in the Olympic Esports Games. National Olympic Committees that incorporate esports in their activities will also be key partners.
Establishing a New Structure
The IOC will establish a new structure dedicated to the Olympic Esports Games, separate from the traditional Olympic Games framework. This new approach will address the unique nature of esports, including financing and organization, ensuring the successful implementation of the Olympic Esports Games.
In conclusion, the partnership between the IOC and Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in the evolution of esports on a global scale. The Olympic Esports Games 2025 promises to be a landmark event, celebrating the convergence of traditional Olympic values with the dynamic world of esports.
