The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is one step closer to hosting an Olympic Esports Games. IOC members will vote on July 22-24 on the creation of the event after a proposal by the IOC Executive Board. IOC President Thomas Bach announced that there are ongoing discussions with a potential host for the event, and an announcement is expected if the members approve it.
Bach stated that the creation of Olympic Esports Games shows the IOC’s commitment to keeping pace with the digital revolution. He emphasized the enthusiasm of the esports community represented in the IOC Esports Commission for this initiative. Bach also mentioned that the values of the Olympic brand align with those upheld by the esports community.
Last October, at an IOC session, Bach asked the IOC Esports Commission to investigate the possibility of hosting Olympic Esports Games. The commission quickly presented a clear and concrete concept for the event. The IOC has been engaging with the esports community since 2018 while maintaining its core values.
In 2021, the IOC launched the Olympic Virtual Series as its first venture into esports. In June 2023, the IOC hosted the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore with more than 130 players from around the world participating in 10 mixed-gender events. This event was streamed online and held in partnership with international federations of Olympic sports.