First e-sports games to be held in Riyadh in 2027

The Olympic Esport Games were originally scheduled to take place in 2025, but logistical challenges and financial concerns have delayed their debut until 2027. This means fans will have to wait to see their favourite video games join the Olympics. So they will have the chance to enjoy their hobby at GGBet.

E-sports Olympics: postponed debut

Video gaming is finally ready to be represented at the Olympic Games. Its debut was due to take place in 2025, but had to be delayed due to logistical challenges and financial issues. The official announcement came after massive speculation about a potential delay. Following negotiations between IOC President Thomas Bach and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the world saw a clear roadmap, with qualifying events and preliminary tournaments to begin this year.

The e-sports Olympics will be held in Saudi Arabia. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) are now in charge of the first Olympic Games in Riyadh in 2027. The event aims to integrate the competitive games into the Olympic ecosystem. The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has become a founding partner, bringing expertise in game selection, tournament organisation and regulation. The new competition will meet Olympic standards of fairness and transparency.

The selection of video games for the competition remains the main topic of discussion. A six-member panel, co-chaired by Ser Miang Ng and Prince Abdulaziz, is responsible for selecting the official games catalogue. It will select the games based on global reach, competition structure and alignment with Olympic values. The final selection will take place in 2026 before the qualification phase begins.

Saudi Arabia as a new e-sports hub

Saudi Arabia's rapid growth as a global sporting hub has played a huge role in securing its position as host. The country has increased the number of sports federations from 32 to 97 and hosted more than 100 international events, including football, boxing, motorsports and e-sports. According to Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is aiming to transform its sports sector so that almost 50% of the population will be involved in sport. This trend could influence the popularity of e-sports among the local population.

The first e-sports world championship was held in Riyadh in the summer of 2024. The tournament included prize pools worth tens of millions of dollars in games such as Call of Duty, Fortnite and Street Fighter. However, it is unclear whether shooters will be included in the Olympic e-sports programme, as the IOC wants to align itself with Olympic values. Esport Olympic Games are likely to be held every two years, with competitions including 'physical, simulated and electronic games'. Qualification of national teams is expected to begin this year, ensuring global participation and compliance with Olympic standards.

League of Legends representatives were confused by the IOC's decision to add eSports to the Olympic Games. Video games are different from traditional sports that celebrate physical athleticism. However, they can become a good contribution to the Olympic Games if their integration is properly managed. The IOC plans to focus on video games that are in line with Olympic values and aimed at a wider audience. They want eSports events to be less offensive or more inclusive. The 2027 Esports Olympic Games will be a historic moment in the convergence of traditional sports and competitive gaming. The event is expected to set new standards in the e-sports industry. Video game fans can expect a unique combination of athleticism, technology and entertainment on a global stage.