Olympic Esports Games to Debut in 2027

After initially being delayed, the Inaugural Olympic Esports Games has been officially confirmed for 2027. 

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that “The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will become the founding partner of the Olympic Esports Games.”

Financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the Esports World Cup Foundation is a nonprofit organization. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will host the first Olympic Esports Games, with discussions underway about future events being held there as well.

According to the official Olympics website, “The IOC-EWCF partnership aims to create a lasting impact, bridging the gap between esports and traditional sports while expanding opportunities for players and teams representing their countries.”

The Inaugural Olympic Esports Games was conceptualized last year in July, during the 142nd International Olympic Committee (IOC). They supposedly planned for a 2025 competition year, but delayed the project to 2027. 

In a public interview with the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, IOC President Thomas Bach stated, “there is now a very clear roadmap to the historic first-ever Olympic Esports Games. With the Road to the Olympic Esports Games starting this year, the Games are becoming a reality.” 

EWCF partnered up with Riot Games for their esports in League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, and Valorant – serving as sponsors for international competitions for the specified titles. The organization is rapidly becoming a staple in the industry for global tournaments