Esports officially now an Olympic Event

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The world of competitive gaming is about to get even bigger. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a landmark partnership with Saudi Arabia to host the first-ever Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This move marks a significant step in the growing recognition of esports as a legitimate sporting competition.

While esports has been featured in trial events like the 2023 Olympic Esports Series, this upcoming event will be the first with official Olympic status. The 12-year deal between the IOC and Saudi Arabia guarantees regular Olympic esports events throughout the agreement.

Specific details on the games included and the competition format are yet to be revealed. However, with the success of the 2023 series, which featured titles like Gran Turismo and Chess.com, we can expect a mix of established esports titles alongside virtual representations of traditional sports.

This inclusion is a major win for esports athletes who have dedicated countless hours to honing their skills. The chance to compete on the biggest sporting stage and potentially win an Olympic medal will undoubtedly elevate the prestige and recognition of professional gaming.

However, the decision to hold the event in Saudi Arabia has also sparked some debate. The country’s human rights record has been a cause for concern, and some critics worry about the alignment with the Olympic ideals.

Despite the controversy, the official integration of esports into the Olympics represents a turning point. With millions of viewers around the globe, esports is a cultural phenomenon, and its inclusion on the Olympic stage reflects its growing importance in the sporting landscape. The 2025 Olympic Esports Games promise to be a historic event, ushering in a new era for competitive gaming.

Kevin Austin has been in gaming journalism in one way or another since the launch of the Nintendo Gamecube. Married and father of 3 children he has been gaming since the ripe age of 6 when he got his first NES system and