On Tuesday, the International Olympic Committee officially selected the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host the upcoming editions of the Olympic esports events from 2025 to 2037, granting it an unprecedented temporary monopoly in the history of the Olympic movement. The 142nd General Assembly of the International Olympic Committee in Paris unanimously approved the partnership announced on July 12 between the organization based in Lausanne, Switzerland, and the Saudi Olympic Committee, which secured the hosting of the new championship for 12 years.
David Lappartient, chair of the esports committee at the International Olympic Committee, stated that there will be "physical games and esports." Regarding the period granted to Saudi Arabia, he explained that his committee recommended holding the events "every two years," meaning every odd year that is not an Olympic year, although this point "has not been checked. We will see how this can be translated by our Saudi friends."
For his part, German President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach confirmed that the structure of the championship is "completely separate" from traditional games and will be funded independently. He added that broadcasting rights would provide a good indication of the economic potential of this sector. Bach mentioned that granting these rights to Saudi Arabia would be "completely consistent with the Olympic Charter and values."
The International Olympic Committee announced on July 12 that Saudi Arabia will host the first edition in 2025. Bach remarked at that time: "We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi National Olympic Committee on the Olympic esports events, as they have significant experience, if not unique, in the field of esports."
Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal stated: "As the first-ever Olympic esports event, it is clear that there is still much to consider and plan with the International Olympic Committee, but we are committed to hosting a special event that respects the Olympic values and celebrates them, while boldly leveraging this momentum to advance esports with the international platform it and its athletes deserve. The world will have an open invitation to join us in 2025 and celebrate this moment together."
