International Olympic Committee (IOC)-hosted esports event "Olympic Esports Games" postponed, moving toward reconstruction; IOC ends partnership with SOPC
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/991/G999107/20251031005/
Editorial Department: Oritaka | 2025/10/31 02:49 (UTC)
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced today (October 31, 2025), the termination of its cooperation with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC).
The two committees had been in discussions to host the inaugural edition of the “Olympic Esports Games” in 2025.
Image from official website (external link) Thumbnail image No.002 / IOC-hosted esports event “Olympic Esports Games” postponed, moving toward reconstruction; ending cooperation with SOPC
The collaboration between the two committees was established at the 142nd IOC Session held in Paris in July 2024. The IOC had hoped that by regularly organizing esports events, it would help raise awareness of esports as a sport and contribute to enhancing athletes’ social standing.
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IOC to launch new global esports tournament. First “Olympic Esports Games” set for Saudi Arabia in 2025
On July 23, 2024, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the establishment of a new global esports tournament, the “Olympic Esports Games,” and confirmed that the first event will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2025. The proposal to launch this competition was presented during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris and passed by an overwhelming majority.
[July 24, 2024, 11:56]
After extensive discussions with the Esports World Cup Foundation, organizer of the world’s largest esports tournament “EWC,” both committees decided to reassess their project and terminate their cooperation. Each party has now committed to continuing its own independent initiatives in the field of esports.
The IOC stated that, taking into account past consultations and feedback from stakeholders, it will rebuild the “Olympic Esports Games” under new partnerships. The goal is to hold the first event as early as possible.
International Olympic Committee Statement
IOC Statement on the Olympic Esports Games