The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has put forward a proposal for the establishment of “Olympic Esports Games”. This proposal will be on table during the upcoming 142nd IOC Session at Paris Olympics. On this occassion the IOC Members will vote on this proposal. Check out the details below.
Advanced discussions are already underway with a potential host. Ab official announcement is expected shortly after final formalities are completed.
Having marked its maiden venture into esports with the Olympic Virtual Series in 2021, the IOC launched the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in June 2023 where over 130 players from around the world competed across 10 mixed-gender category events.
The event drew a full house of fans in Singapore and garnered significant online viewership, with over 500,000 unique participants and six million live-action views across all platforms, notably popular among viewers aged 13 to 34.
Esports has firmly established itself in major international multi-sport competitions. It has been featured at the Commonwealth Esports Championships 2022, where India’s DOTA 2 team secured a bronze medal. It was also a medal sport at the Asian Games 2022, with India competing in five titles. Previously, esports was showcased as a demonstration event at the Asian Games 2018. During this event, India’s Tirth Mehta won bronze in Hearthstone. Looking ahead, esports will feature in the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) and the Aichi Nagoya Asian Games 2026.
In regard to this development, the key stakeholders from the Esports industry shared their insights on the potential inclusion of Esports at the Olympics:
Akshat Rathee, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming:
“This recent development around the “Olympic Esports Games” further fortifies the dawn of esports as a mainstream sport in international multi-sport events. The decision to make International Federations responsible for the adjacency of their sport to an esport title empowers democratically elected and independent sports federations the ability to engage with the youth of their respective sports while keeping the tenets of the Olympic charter.
The Olympic Esports Games is an endorsement of esports by the most prestigious global sports body. It will be realizing its value and giving it recognition. With the strategic partnership of NODWIN gaming with the Global Esports Federation (GEF), our aligned vision is to elevate esports globally in emerging markets. We expect newer partnerships with existing and fresh entrants in the space for brands, publishers, and communities.
I am excited and hopeful that the opportunity offers traditional esports titles a chance to be chosen by International or National Federations and will soon be included as a medal sport in the Olympics. This new-age sport will finally be embedded under the iconic rings of the Olympics.”
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Roby John, CEO and Co-Founder of SuperGaming stated. “We’re excited to see the International Olympic Committee (IOC) actively considering the inclusion of Esports in the Olympics. This is a major step in recognizing Esports as a legitimate performance sport.
By integrating Esports into the Olympics, the IOC acknowledges the dedication, skill, and sportsmanship of this growing field. The hard work of governing bodies, stakeholders, game developers, and especially the gamers, has made this achievement possible. This move validates the importance of esports and celebrates the efforts of everyone involved. In our own small way, we are proud to contribute to the grassroots growth of Esports in India. It is exciting to see the grit and talent of players from across the world compete at Esports and shine in their Olympic journey.”
Rajan Navani, Founder and CEO of JetSynthesys, “The IOC’s proposal to create ‘Olympic Esports Games’ presents India with a golden opportunity to shine on the global esports stage. With a vibrant video gaming community of over 450 million and a booming industry, India is poised for exponential growth. As JetSynthesys’ Gen Z gamers push esports into the mainstream, India can leverage its talent and host international tournaments, cementing its position as a formidable contender in the esports world. Indigenous IP s like Real Cricket can take cricket esports to the world!”
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