The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially terminated its 12-year agreement with Saudi Arabia to host the Olympic Esports Games, ending what was once seen as a landmark collaboration between traditional and digital sports. The decision, confirmed as mutual, comes after strategic and ideological differences emerged between the two sides.
Saudi Arabia, through its Public Investment Fund (PIF), has poured billions into esports development under its Vision 2030 strategy, hosting major global tournaments such as the Esports World Cup and the upcoming Esports Nations Cup. The IOC’s move follows its “Pause and Reflect” initiative, which emphasised rethinking the structure of the Olympic Esports Games to ensure ethical governance, inclusivity, and global representation.
The original deal, signed in July 2024, granted Riyadh hosting rights for the Games from 2025 to 2037, with the inaugural event planned for 2027. However, growing scrutiny around human rights and differing commercial priorities prompted a reassessment. The IOC is now exploring alternative hosts, with nations such as Japan, France, and South Korea emerging as strong candidates due to their advanced esports infrastructure and governance standards.
While this development may temporarily slow the Olympic Esports Games’ progress, it sets the stage for a more transparent and globally representative framework. For emerging markets like India, which recently achieved significant milestones in competitive gaming, the IOC’s restructured approach could open new pathways for participation in the future.
