Riyadh to Host First Olympic Esports Games in 2027

The inaugural Olympic Esports Games are scheduled to take place in Riyadh in 2027, two years later than initially planned, following a 12-year partnership between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Saudi Arabia. This decision comes after the successful first annual Esports World Cup held in Riyadh, which featured significant prize money for popular games like Call of Duty and Fortnite. A six-member panel will be responsible for selecting the games included, with a focus on aligning content with Olympic values, although the inclusion of shooter games remains uncertain. The IOC aims to attract a younger audience through this initiative, as part of its broader strategy to explore opportunities in the esports sector. Despite facing criticism over human rights concerns, Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in global sports, further solidifying its role in the international sports arena. Preliminary qualifying competitions for national teams are set to begin this year, generating excitement ahead of this landmark event.