By Victor Kanayo
Organisers have announced that the first edition of the Olympic Esports Games, a landmark event both in the world of esports and within the Olympic Movement, will be held in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The Road to the Games with the first Olympic competitions will already start this year.
The IOC made history in July, 2025, when the 142nd IOC Session decided to create the Olympic Esports Games.
For the organisation of these, the IOC is partnering with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC).
As part of this cooperation, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will become the Founding Partner of the Olympic Esports Games.
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.
As the Founding Partner of the Olympic Esports Games, the EWCF brings its expertise in game selection, tournament structures and ecosystem engagement to drive innovation in the development of the Olympic Esports Games.
The IOC and EWCF will collaborate closely with key stakeholders to establish qualification pathways, enhance competitive integrity, and align the national esports ecosystems with broader global standards.
The EWCF is a non-profit organisation committed to fostering the growth and development of esports and gaming worldwide.
As the driving force behind the Esports World Cup, the EWCF works to elevate the industry by shaping competitive structures, strengthening the esports ecosystem, and ensuring the integrity, sustainability and growth of esports.
The cooperation between the IOC and the SOPC was the major topic of a meeting between the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, HRH Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, IOC President Thomas Bach and the President of the SOPC and Minister of Sports, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal in Riyadh.
