The International Olympic Committee has officially confirmed that the first Olympic Esports Games will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027. Just a few weeks ago,
rumors were circulating about a possible postponement, but it is now a reality.
A delayed event with no info on how qualifications will work
Thomas Bach, President of the IOC, stated that the first steps toward the Olympic Esports Games will begin this year. While details on the qualification process remain unclear, the format suggests that players and teams from various backgrounds will need to qualify. However, it has not been specified how this will be structured, especially since no existing game circuit currently operates in a fully nation-based format.
The IOC is partnering with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), with additional support from the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), which will serve as the event’s Founding Partner. The EWCF, a non-profit dedicated to esports development, will play a crucial role in game selection, tournament structuring, and ensuring the integrity of the competition.
Still no info on games
One of the biggest unanswered questions about the Olympic Esports Games is which titles will be part of the competition. While the IOC has outlined three main categories—virtual sports (like Zwift or Virtual Taekwondo), sports simulation (such as EA FC or NBA2K), and traditional esports on PC, console, or mobile—no official games have been confirmed yet.
It was stated the selection will be based on popularity, consistency, credibility, and alignment with Olympic values. Notably, discussions with Riot Games and Psyonix suggest that
League of Legends and
Rocket League may be included, marking the first time
LoL would feature in a global, nation-based tournament. The Games also aim to promote inclusivity, ensuring gender representation and awarding the first-ever "Olympic Esports Champions" title in history.
Header Photo Credit: Royal Court
