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.

More:Electronic Arts Q2 Revenues Plunge

Tags: Olympic Esports

Share:

Sources:

Report mistake Submit news

Related news

View All

aBeZy Controversy Explained: LA Thieves CDL Star Caught Using Homophobic Slur in Leaked Scrim Clip

TL;DR * A leaked nine-second clip from a scrim between LA Thieves and Miami Heretics captured LA Thieves player Tyler...

Drama

Apr 01, 2026

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney Apologizes After Layoffs Cut Employee With Terminal Brain Cancer

TL;DR * Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney apologized on X after the company's latest round of layoffs included Mike Prinke,...

Drama

Mar 31, 2026

LPL Jungler Milkyway Cleared of Match-Fixing Allegations by Police, Announces Return to Pro Play

TL;DR * Cai "Milkyway" Zi-Jun has been cleared of match-fixing allegations after the Luonan police station in Shanghai found a...

Drama

Mar 31, 2026

Meta Cuts Around 700 Roles Across Reality Labs and Multiple Divisions in Latest Round of Restructuring

TL;DR * Meta has reportedly cut around 700 positions across Reality Labs, recruiting, sales, operations, and Facebook, with most affected...

Drama

Mar 30, 2026

Kick Streamer Clavicular Arrested in Fort Lauderdale on Misdemeanor Assault Charge

TL;DR * Kick streamer Braden "Clavicular" Peters has been arrested in Fort Lauderdale on a misdemeanor assault charge, with journalist...

Drama

Mar 27, 2026

Olympic Esports Games Deal Cancelled

Drama

30 October 2025 18:52

Tags: Olympic Esports

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.

More:Electronic Arts Q2 Revenues Plunge

Share:

Sources:

Report mistake Submit news