The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) have decided to terminate their partnership regarding the Olympic Esports Games. This significant development impacts the collaboration with the Esports World Cup Foundation, which was gearing up for the inaugural event slated for 2027. Both parties have mutually agreed to part ways, marking a new chapter for the future of esports within the Olympic framework.
The End of a Promising Partnership
Reports suggest that discussions between the IOC and SOPC had been ongoing for a year before the decision to cancel the partnership. The IOC aims to align the Olympic Esports Games with the broader objectives of the Olympic Movement. The separation implies that the Esports World Cup Foundation and the IOC will now pursue their esports initiatives independently. This move allows the IOC to restructure its approach and seek new partners for the Olympic Esports Games.
Charting a New Course
Despite the end of the collaboration, the IOC remains dedicated to hosting the Olympic Esports Games in the future. The timeline for this event is currently uncertain, but the organization is committed to delivering the inaugural Games “as soon as possible.” The IOC plans to incorporate insights from its “Pause and Reflect” process and establish a fresh partnership model. Meanwhile, the Esports World Cup Foundation is focused on its national tournaments, with the Esports Nations Cup debuting in Riyadh in 2026. This event is set to occur biennially, showcasing the vibrancy and potential of esports on a global stage.