IOC Withdraws Esports Olympics from Saudi Arabia Amid Strategic Shift
The agreement, made under then-IOC president Thomas Bach, has now been shelved following leadership changes under new president Kirsty Coventry
Saudi Arabia will no longer host the inaugural Esports Olympics, which were initially scheduled for 2027
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Thursday that it had “mutually agreed” with the Saudi National Olympic Committee to terminate their partnership for the event
Originally planned to debut in Riyadh this year before being postponed, the Esports Olympics were set to be hosted by Saudi Arabia for 12 years starting from 2025
The agreement, made under then-IOC president Thomas Bach, has now been shelved following leadership changes under new president Kirsty Coventry
“The two parties and the Esports World Cup Foundation sat down again and reviewed this initiative. They mutually agreed to end their cooperation on the Olympic Esports Games,” the IOC said in a statement.
The IOC noted that both sides remain committed to growing esports separately
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Esports World Cup Foundation confirmed it will continue organizing its flagship Esports World Cup, calling it “the world’s largest gaming and esports festival,” and plans to launch an Esports Nations Cup in 2026
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The IOC faces fresh challenges as it seeks to realign the Esports Olympics, including negotiating with publishers, defining anti-doping rules, and navigating its “non-violence” policy which excludes many popular game titles
Despite the hurdles, the IOC says feedback from the gaming community has been “overwhelmingly supportive,” with many calling for a balanced, inclusive approach to integrating esports into the Olympic movement
Saudi Arabia’s exit also rekindles debate around its global sports investments, which critics describe as “sportswashing” amid ongoing human rights concerns
The kingdom, however, maintains that its policies are focused on protecting national interests and promoting sports development
The Esports Olympics now face an uncertain future without a host, a clear date, or a roadmap as the IOC seeks to reboot the project in alignment with its broader vision for digital sport
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
