By Sagar V. Mankar 
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that the first-ever Olympic Esports Games will now take place in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, instead of the originally planned 2025 date.
The delay comes as organizers need additional time to develop a comprehensive hosting and financing model. According to The Esports Advocate, both the IOC and Saudi Arabian government bodies have been working behind the scenes to create a more structured approach to this groundbreaking event.
In an encouraging development, the IOC has partnered with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) as a founding collaborator. Recognizing their success in hosting the inaugural Esports World Cup last year, the IOC entrusted them with a crucial role in determining game selection, tournament formats, and engaging with the broader esports community for the first event.
IOC President Thomas Bach expressed optimism about the project, highlighting that qualification rounds will begin this year. “There is now a very clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games,” Bach stated, emphasizing the strong partnership between the IOC and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC).
The planning process gained momentum following a high-level meeting in Riyadh between Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, IOC President Thomas Bach, and SOPC President Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal. A joint committee, co-chaired by IOC Member Ser Miang Ng and Prince Abdulaziz, has been established to oversee the games’ development.
However, the gaming community has expressed some concerns. As reported by industry sources, traditional esports titles that contain violent content might face exclusion due to the IOC’s strict content guidelines. This “red line” policy could potentially leave out some of the most popular competitive games like Call of Duty and CS2.
Additionally, the influence of member federations in game selection has raised eyebrows. During the 2023 Olympic Esports Week, lesser-known games such as Tic Tac Bow and Virtual Taekwondo were chosen, leading to skepticism about whether financially motivated decisions could impact the credibility of the competition.
Beyond the gaming aspect, the IOC’s decision to partner with Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism due to the country’s human rights record. Critics argue that the deal contradicts the IOC’s own principles on human rights. However, the financial backing and infrastructure provided by Saudi Arabia appear to have played a significant role in securing this agreement.
The initiative is part of a broader 12-year agreement signed in 2024 between the IOC and Saudi Arabia, ensuring that Riyadh will host these events for three Olympic cycles. The partnership aims to establish proper qualification pathways and align national esports ecosystems with global standards.