Josel Sapitan 

“This is truly a new era, keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution.”

International Olympics Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach stated this after the majority voting of executives approved the addition of eSports to the Olympics game, last July 24 in Paris, France.

Photo Courtest of International Olympic Committee.

Based on the result of the 142nd session, the National Olympics Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia officially announced the historical debut of eSports that will kick off next year for its first edition in the Middle East.

President Bach added that working with Saudi NOC is an honor because it will give a unique experience and a great expertise in executing eSports in Olympic games.

Recently, the NOC and IOC concluded the Olympics Esports Week held in Singapore. They started the entry of eSports in 2018 beyond their 12 years and counting partnership.

“We are committed to hosting a special event that respects and celebrates the Olympic values while boldly seizing the momentum to drive eSports forward with the international platform the sport and its athletes deserve,“ said Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, the Minister of Sport, President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

The discussion of the development of the Olympic Esports Games was initiated in the 141st IOC session with the IOC Esports Commissions under the leadership of David Lappartient last October 2023 in Mumbai, India.