Olympic Esports Games Deal Cancelled

Drama

30 October 2025 18:52

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) have announced the cancellation of their partnership for the Olympic Esports Games, bringing an end to their planned collaboration on the event.

As a result, the IOC and the Esports World Cup Foundation have mutually agreed to terminate their involvement in the inaugural edition of the Olympic Esports Games, which had been scheduled for 2027.

According to an official statement, the two organisations had been in discussions for the past 12 months to shape the future of the Games. However, the IOC explained that ending the 12-year agreement with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee would allow it to align the event more closely with “the long-term ambitions of the Olympic Movement.”

The decision also clarifies that the Esports World Cup Foundation and the IOC will now pursue “their own esports ambitions on separate paths.”

Moving forward without Saudi involvement, the IOC plans to develop a new approach for the Olympic Esports Games, including a revised partnership model for potential collaborators.

The concept of the Olympic Esports Games was first announced in October 2023 as part of the IOC’s ongoing efforts to expand its digital and gaming presence. In June 2025, the organisation hosted a Publisher and Developer Forum to explore how game developers and publishers could help shape the event’s framework.

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Tags: Olympic Esports

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