Professional video game competitions have existed since 1972. At that time, Stanford University organized the Spacewar Intergalactic Olympics, a computer space battle game. Since then, a lot has happened. And on BetSpider, the best betting tool for e-sports, we recognize their enormous impact. Indeed, they have taken over arenas, and have amassed thousands of fans. Soon, a new chapter in the world of electronic sports is going to start. Specifically, the International Olympic Committee and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have announced that the first edition of the Olympic Esports Games will be held in the country in 2025. Not only that, the IOC has signed an agreement that Saudi Arabia will host the competition for the next 12 years.
The Olympic Esports Games
The big question is whether the main titles on the competitive scene will be part of these Olympic Games. Alternatively, the competition could cover only disciplines that simulate traditional e-sports. For instance, racing games, fighting games, soccer, and tennis, among other examples. Titles that could appear in this case include Gran Turismo, EA Sports FC 25, Tennis Clash, and more.
This announcement comes a month after the IOC revealed its plans to develop e-sports games. Despite having already denied the inclusion of e-sports in the main Olympic program, the entity has been gradually getting involved with the sector. For example, it held events such as the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in June 2023.
The Olympics and the World Cup
Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is currently hosting the first edition of the Esports World Cup. The tournament runs until August 25, distributing more than $60 million in competitions. These competitions involve 21 disciplines. Including, League of Legends, Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), Dota 2, and Free Fire, as well as famous teams.
The Esports World Cup Foundation intends to make the Esports World Cup an annual competition, replacing the Gamers8 festival. There are still few details to compare the competition with the Olympic Esports Games. However, the IOC has emphasized that international federations involved in electronic versions of sports will be able to take part. The same will apply to national Olympic committees that already include e-sports in their activities. Saudi Arabia, more than any other country, is taking large steps to hold a central position in the world of e-sports.
Saudi Arabia and e-sports
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s Sports Minister, has declared that the nation is proud to support the creation of a new chapter in Olympic history. He believes this has the potential to inspire new dreams and ambitions for literally millions of athletes around the world. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has invested significantly in e-sports. Especially, using billions from its Public Investment Fund to finance championships and events, including the current Esports World Cup.
The country and its sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, have maintained a strong pace of spending on sports recently. In particular, his strategy aims to diversify its economy, promote local tourism, and improve the quality of life. The monarchy has so far financed most of its investments and initiatives. Yet, it is looking for more private capital. This is not just for the sports business, but also to attract more tourists. Additionally, it aims to fulfill the dozens of megaprojects that will underpin Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 agenda. And e-sports holds a special place in these impressive investments.
Four districts for esports
In December 2023, the country announced the creation of the first “Games and Esports District”. The space located in the “city” of Qiddiya will feature four arenas dedicated to e-sports, which will host a full calendar of international tournaments and events, with a combined total capacity of 73,000 seats. The venue will cover more than 500,000 m² and promises to “bring the gaming universe to life like never before”. Also, there will be more than 100,000 m² of gamer stores, restaurants, and entertainment spaces. What’s more, it will have one of the arenas with the largest LED panel ever seen in the history of e-sports.
The new “district” is part of the central pillar of the National Games and Esports Strategy. This strategy seeks to transform Saudi Arabia into the global center for games and e-sports by 2030. Interestingly, around two-thirds of the population in Saudi Arabia are gamers. It’s also important to put into context that Qiddiya is one of Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects. Specifically, it is a leisure-oriented “city” intended to be an epicenter of entertainment, sports, and culture. Moreover, Qiddiya aims to welcome Saudis, residents, and tourists.
The 2025 Olympic Esports Games - Final Words
As we approach the first Olympic Esports Games in 2025, it’s clear that the landscape of competitive gaming is evolving rapidly. Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans and substantial investments are set to make it a pivotal player in the global e-sports arena, reflecting a broader trend of mainstream acceptance and celebration of video games as a legitimate competitive sport. The collaboration with the International Olympic Committee marks a significant milestone, potentially transforming the perception of e-sports worldwide.
The frequency at which the Olympic Esports Games will be held has not been announced, but if it is the same as the traditional Olympic Games, we can expect them every four years. But no matter the frequency of this future event, this is the perfect time to engage with the e-sports community and witness history in the making. To get a front-row seat to this thrilling new era, open an account at BetSpider and immerse yourself in the excitement and strategy of electronic sports competitions.
