The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially announced the establishment of the Olympic eSports Games, with Saudi Arabia set to host the inaugural event next year.
The ground-breaking move was unanimously approved by the 142nd IOC Session in Paris and is further proof of the growing influence of eSports across the globe.
Esports has become a cultural phenomenon, boasting a large fan base and a highly competitive scene that rivals conventional sports.
While the inaugural event will be held in Saudi Arabia, the impact of the milestone will travel far beyond the Middle East. The United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland are among the countries which will benefit significantly from Olympic recognition of eSports.
The move will attract investment, nurture talent and raise the bar of the eSports competition to unprecedented heights. Olympic recognition gives eSports mainstream credibility.
It will also have a significant impact on the betting industry in the UK and Ireland. In simple terms, more fans tuning in to watch the tournament means more bets placed on eSports events.
Considering the strong gambling culture in the region, popular Irish betting apps and platforms in the other nations will be inundated with wagering activity on the eSports Olympics.
Numerous other eSports tournaments have generated significant interest on betting sites, but Olympic recognition will be a game-changer.
A New Era for the IOC and eSports
IOC President Thomas Bach hailed the Olympic eSports initiative as the dawn of a new era and one which demonstrates their commitment to staying at the forefront of the digital revolution.
The IOC’s foray into eSports has accelerated rapidly. What began as merely testing the waters six years ago has become a full-blown Olympic eSports Games.
Last year’s Olympic eSports Week in Singapore was a crucial dress rehearsal that proved the initiative is on the right track by merging traditional sports values with digital technology.
The success of the event in Singapore laid the solid foundation on which the 2025 Olympic eSports Games and other future editions will be built.
Under the stewardship of IOC Member David Lappartient, the IOC eSports Commission has been instrumental in shaping this new frontier.
They have been focused on ensuring that eSports adhere to the principles of the Olympics on matters such as gender equality and youth engagement.
This vision is paramount in developing the framework for the Games, and Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key collaborator in this ambitious endeavour.
Thanks to the nation’s Vision 2030 agenda, Saudi Arabia is now widely regarded as a global eSports hub, attracting millions of passionate fans and players to the Middle East.
Around 67 percent of Saudi Arabia’s population identifies as gamers, further solidifying the nation’s claim as an unparalleled platform for the Olympic eSports Games.
Saudi Arabia has plenty of experience hosting major eSports tournaments, and its growing pool of professional players also adds to the nation’s appeal as an ideal partner for the IOC.
Both parties have shook hands on a 12-year collaboration to organise the Games, and the world will wait with bated breath for the landmark event that promises to redefine the sports and entertainment sector.
What Does This Mean for the UK & Ireland?
The recognition of eSports by the IOC will lead to an influx of investment into the industry, and the UK and Ireland is in line to get a sizeable slice of the pie.
With eSports receiving a seal of approval from the Olympics, the industry will be seen as a legitimate sector, which could attract plenty of funding from both private and public investors.
The UK and Ireland already boast strong technology and financial infrastructures, which makes them perfect locations for investors looking to plough money into eSports.
The influx of capital would fund the development of state-of-the-art eSports arenas, cutting-edge training facilities and advanced gaming tech.
Such significant investment will also create jobs and position the UK and Ireland among the global leaders in the eSports industry.
The partnership between the IOC and the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia, as well as collaborations with International Federations, presents unparalleled opportunities for the UK and Ireland.
It paves the way for them to engage with global eSports leaders, discuss best practices and participate in international tournaments.
