The relationship between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Saudi Arabian National Olympic Committee has come to an end after a year of collaboration on the Olympic Esports Games. What once seemed like an ambitious joint project —which granted Saudi Arabia hosting rights for 12 years starting in 2025— has dissolved before its first edition could take place. The joint statement, issued from Lausanne, reflects an amicable separation, marked by both parties’ intention to pursue independent paths within the growing world of esports.
The decision comes after several months of pause and reflection, in a context where the evolution of electronic sports demands a more coherent integration with Olympic values. The IOC, which had promoted virtual competitions in 2021 and 2023 under the Olympic Esports Series, now seeks to redefine its approach and build a more sustainable platform. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its position in the sector, with the Esports World Cup and the upcoming Esports Nations Cup as part of its global sports influence strategy.
A new starting point for the Olympic Esports Games
With the end of the agreement, the IOC faces a new beginning. A project that must be rebuilt from scratch: with no host country or defined schedule, the Olympic Esports Games now face the challenge of negotiating with game developers, designing anti-doping programs, and establishing national teams that meet Olympic standards. Moreover, the IOC’s strict “no violence” policy limits the inclusion of many popular titles, a major obstacle to attracting a gaming community used to other competitive formats.
The reformulation process will be guided by the conclusions of the Editors and Developers Forum held in June, where the organization gathered ideas on how to connect Olympism with the digital ecosystem. Under the leadership of Kirsty Coventry, the IOC aims for the new version of the Esports Games to better align with the long-term vision of the Olympic Movement and to promote innovation while upholding the values of respect and fair play.
Saudi Arabia and its global sports strategy
For Saudi Arabia, the end of this partnership does not represent a setback but rather a reconfiguration within its sports expansion plan. The kingdom has invested billions of dollars in international competitions, seeking to position itself as a central player in disciplines as diverse as golf, boxing, and esports. The Esports World Cup, held in Riyadh, has already become a symbol of its ambition to lead the global esports market.
However, these investments have sparked ongoing criticism. Human rights organizations and social groups accuse the country of using sports as a tool for image laundering, attempting to soften perceptions of its restrictive policies and civil rights record. Meanwhile, the Saudi government denies these accusations, claiming its reforms aim to strengthen national security and diversify its economy. In this scenario, the split with the IOC does not halt its momentum but rather reinforces its determination to pursue its own path in the global digital arena.
