IOC Introduces the Olympic eSports Games
Madrid (EFE).- The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided this Friday to establish the Olympic eSports Games, marking a significant milestone in integrating electronic sports into the Olympic scene. IOC President Thomas Bach made the announcement following a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Upcoming Approval at the IOC Assembly
This historic decision will be presented for formal approval at the upcoming IOC Session, to be held in Paris from July 22 to 24, just before the Summer Olympic Games.
“With this decision, the IOC takes a monumental step to keep pace with the digital revolution,” Bach commented.
Plans for Venue and Date
The IOC is in “advanced conversations” with a potential host and expects to announce details about the location and dates of the Olympic eSports Games soon.
Olympic Values Intact
Thomas Bach emphasized that the Olympic values “will be a red line that will never be crossed,” ensuring that the integrity and fundamental principles of the Olympic movement remain unchanged in this new format.
IOC’s History with eSports
The IOC is not new to the world of eSports. In 2021, it organized the Olympic Virtual Series, and in 2023, the Olympic eSports Week, where more than 130 players participated.
Structure and Participation
The future Olympic eSports Games will have “a separate structure” from the traditional Olympic Games. The IOC plans to initially contact federations that already have electronic versions of their sports to form the sports program.
This innovative initiative reflects the IOC’s commitment to digital evolution and adaptation to new global sports trends, giving eSports a prominent place in the Olympic world.
