The first edition of the Olympic Esports Games, a landmark event for both the world of esports and the Olympic Movement, will be held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The journey to the Olympic Esports Games begins in 2025, year of the first competitions. The IOC made history last July, when the 142nd IOC Session decided to create the games. For their organization, the IOC is partnering with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC).
Esports continues to grow rapidly in multiple markets. SGI Europe reported in the fall of 2024 that the Emirates E-Sports Federation, in collaboration with ITW Universe, would be launching the E-Gaming League (EGL) in March 2025.
Of course, the main reason esports is so attractive to players, brands and now nations is its significant financial opportunities for the industry.
One report forecasts revenue growth of as much as $1.87 billion for the esports industry’s global market in 2025. Asia and North America currently represent the largest esports markets in terms of revenue, with China alone accounting for almost one-fifth of the market.
The largest share of esports market revenue came from sponsorships and advertising in 2021. Altogether, the global esports market revenue from sponsorships and advertising totaled $641 million in 2021. By constrast, the next highest source of revenue was media rights, at just over $192 million.
As part of this cooperation, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will become the Founding Partner of the Olympic Esports Games. The IOC-EWCF partnership aims to bridge the gap between esports and traditional sports while expanding opportunities for players and teams representing their countries.
The EWCF, a non-profit organization, will be focused on game selection, tournament structures and ecosystem engagement and will be collaborating with the IOC and stakeholders to establish qualification pathways, enhance competitive integrity and align the national esports ecosystems with global standards.
The cooperation between the IOC and the SOPC was the major topic of a meeting between the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, HRH Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, IOC President Thomas Bach and the President of the SOPC and Minister of Sports, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal in Riyadh on Sunday.
