The International Olympic Committee announced on Thursday that Saudi Arabia will no longer host the inaugural Esports Olympics. The Games were originally scheduled for 2027 in Riyadh, but plans have now changed. The IOC and the Saudi National Olympic Committee mutually agreed to end their cooperation. Previously, Saudi Arabia was guaranteed hosting rights for 12 years starting in 2025.
Initially, the first Esports Olympics was planned for this year, but it was postponed in February. Then-IOC president Thomas Bach helped create the event, but he has since been replaced by Kirsty Coventry. The IOC previously organized smaller Olympic Esports Series in 2021 and 2023. Critics widely panned these events for lacking traditional esports titles.
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Recently, the IOC, Saudi officials, and the Esports World Cup Foundation reviewed the initiative. They decided to pursue their esports goals separately. The IOC said this move allows the Esports Games to better fit the Olympic movement’s long-term ambitions. It also creates more opportunities to expand esports worldwide.
Saudi Arabia has hosted the first two Esports World Cups in 2024 and 2025. The events featured popular global games and were organized by the kingdom. However, critics accuse Saudi Arabia of using sports events to distract from human rights issues. The kingdom denies these claims and insists its laws protect national security.
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The IOC emphasized that ending the Saudi partnership allows both parties to focus on their separate esports ambitions. The organization remains committed to holding the inaugural Esports Olympics as soon as possible. Meanwhile, esports fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting updates on the new host and schedule.