The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has partnered with the National Olympics Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia to organize the first Olympics Esports tournament. 

A while ago, the IOC signed a 12-year deal with Saudi Arabia. This deal allows the Olympic committee to host tournaments in the country. It gave rise to the inaugural Olympic esports event, taking place in 2025 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In a recent press release, Thomas Bach, the President of the IOC, said: “We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi NOC on the Olympic Esports Games because it has great —if not unique—expertise in the field of esports with all its stakeholders.”

However, Saudi Arabia are infamous for practicing several human rights issues, with women being at the receiving end of such abuses. 

During the interview, the IOC president assured the general public that these abuses were not the norm. He hinted that “By partnering with the Saudi NOC, we have also ensured that the Olympic values are respected. In particular, with regard to the game titles on the program. the promotion of gender equality and engagement with the young audience, which is embracing esports.”

Saudi Arabia has been building up its reputation in the esports scene. In 2022, the country’s Public Investment trust fund acquired ESL Gaming and FACEIT primary organizers. The inaugural esports Olympics will undoubtedly boost their growing reputation within the esports community.