The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has put forth a proposal for the introduction of the "Olympic Esports Games". This proposition will be presented at the upcoming 142nd IOC Session, taking place during the Olympic Games Paris 2024. IOC Members will be given the opportunity to vote on this innovative initiative.

The IOC has already initiated advanced discussions with a potential host for the Olympic Esports Games and plans to make an official announcement shortly after completing the necessary formalities.

IOC President Thomas Bach expressed excitement over the establishment of the Olympic Esports Games, stating that it signifies a significant stride towards keeping up with the digital revolution. He noted the enthusiastic response from the esports community, as represented by the Esports Commission, affirming the appeal of the Olympic brand and its core values.

The IOC has been actively engaging with esports since 2018 in a comprehensive manner, considering a strategic approach that upholds the organization's century-old values. The initial steps included the organization of the Esports Forum in Lausanne, followed by the formation of the Esports Liaison Group and eventually the IOC Esports Commission chaired by IOC Member David Lappartient.

In 2021, the IOC introduced the Olympic Virtual Series as a pilot venture in esports, which paved the way for the successful launch of the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in June 2023. The event served as a platform to unite the Olympic and esports communities, featuring exciting live finals, created in collaboration with International Sports Federations and game publishers.

The Olympic Esports Series attracted over 500,000 participants, generating more than six million live-action views across various channels. Impressively, 75 percent of these viewers were aged between 13 and 34, highlighting the appeal and reach of esports.

Following the triumph of the Olympic Esports Week, the IOC President assigned the Esports Commission with studying the possibility of establishing the "Olympic Esports Games". Demonstrating remarkable efficiency, the Commission swiftly returned with a concrete proposal. Today, during the IOC EB meeting, it was emphasized that the organization of the Olympic Esports Games should be conducted within a new dedicated structure, separate from the existing organizational and financial model of the Olympic Games.

However, the IOC EB also emphasized that existing International Sports Federations engaged in digital versions of their sports, along with National Olympic Committees incorporating esports into their activities, would be the IOC's priority partners for the Olympic Esports Games.

The International Olympic Committee, a volunteer-based, non-governmental organization, strives to build a better world through sport. Over 90 percent of its income is redistributed to support athletes and sports organizations globally, with a daily equivalent of USD 4.2 million being invested towards this cause.

For further information, please contact the IOC Media Relations Team through +41 21 621 6000 or pressoffice@olympic.org, or visit their official website at www.ioc.org.