In a groundbreaking move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This historic announcement follows the establishment of the Olympic Esports Games by the IOC Executive Board (EB) and will be proposed at the IOC Session on the eve of the Paris Olympics in 2024.

The partnership between the IOC and the Saudi NOC will span 12 years, ensuring regular editions of the Olympic Esports Games. IOC President Thomas Bach expressed his gratitude for collaborating with the Saudi NOC, noting their expertise in the field of esports and the valuable experience they bring to the event. President Bach emphasized the importance of upholding Olympic values, including gender equality and engaging with the young audience, which esports successfully caters to.

Saudi Arabia's Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, expressed the nation's excitement about partnering with the IOC and embarking on a new era for international sport. He described the Olympic Games as one of the greatest honors for athletes and expressed pride in contributing to Olympic history and inspiring millions of athletes worldwide.

With over 23 million gamers, Saudi Arabia has become a global hub for professional esports, making it a natural choice for hosting the Olympic Esports Games. The nation's focus on achieving social and economic transformation through Vision 2030 has led to significant growth in sports participation. Saudi Arabia has successfully organized over 100 international sports events since 2018, attracting more than 2.6 million sports fans.

The growth of esports in the country is reflected in the increasing number of pro esports players pursuing full-time careers, with 100 currently counted. Moreover, nearly half of Saudi Arabia's 23 million gamers are female, and women's sport as a whole has witnessed rapid growth. The presence of grassroots sport and reforms promoting female representation in sports federations demonstrates the nation's commitment to women's empowerment.

Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud, an IOC Member, highlighted the positive impact of sport, particularly for women and girls, and expressed her excitement about the increasing participation of females in esports. The Women's Committee, under Princess Reema's leadership, has played a significant role in advancing women's sport in Saudi Arabia, promoting inclusivity and safety.

Following the announcement, the IOC will begin the selection process for the city, venue, timing, and game titles for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games. The IOC emphasized that International Federations and National Olympic Committees already engaged in esports will be prioritized for inclusion in the Games. A dedicated structure within the IOC will be established to address the unique nature of the Olympic Esports Games, with a different approach to financing and organization.

As a non-profit organization, the IOC is committed to using the majority of its income to support athletes and sports organizations worldwide. For further information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team or visit the official IOC website.

With this partnership, the Olympic Esports Games are set to revolutionize the world of sports and provide a platform for athletes from the global esports community to showcase their skills and compete on an international stage.