The International Olympic Committee announced on the 11th that Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, was selected to host the first esports Olympic Games in 2027. According to a cooperation agreement signed last year between the IOC and Saudi Arabia, the decision means that the events will be held two years later than originally planned for November 2025.

An IOC delegation led by outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach (left) met with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed Salman in Riyadh

The IOC has also revealed that the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will be a partner for the event. The Esports World Cup Foundation will contribute expertise in game selection, tournament structure, and engagement in the esports ecosystem to drive innovation in the development of the Esports Olympics.

The announcement comes just two days after an IOC delegation led by outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach met with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed Salman and other senior officials in Riyadh.

In fact, the Esports World Cup Foundation is no stranger to the world of esports, and last year they successfully hosted the first Esports World Cup in Riyadh. The IOC has also announced that it will set up a special committee of six members (three IOC representatives and three Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee representatives) to determine the competition list.

However, the IOC's insistence that all selected competitions must be in line with Olympic values also raises the question of whether games with violent elements, such as shooters, will be included in the competition.