The Olympic Esports Games, initially slated for 2025, have been postponed. While the event is still planned, it will now take place sometime between 2026 and 2027, with the exact dates yet to be determined. The postponement, originally scheduled for Saudi Arabia, is attributed to the immense logistical challenges involved in organizing an esports tournament of Olympic scale.
The Delay: Why 2025 Wasn't Feasible
Staging an esports event on par with the Olympics presents significant hurdles. The IOC and the International Esports Federation (IESF) require additional time to finalize crucial details. Reports indicate several key challenges contributed to the delay: an unconfirmed game lineup, unspecified venues, and a lack of concrete dates. Establishing a fair and equitable global qualification system also proved complex, and reportedly, game publishers expressed concerns regarding the ambitious timeline.
Moving forward, the organizing committees face the task of selecting appropriate game titles, securing venues, developing a comprehensive qualification process, and ensuring sufficient funding.
The Olympic Esports Games aim to elevate esports to the same level as other major sporting events. If this postponement leads to a more polished and better-organized competition truly deserving of an Olympic designation, the delay might ultimately prove beneficial.
For further information, visit the official IOC website.
For a change of pace, check out our latest article on School Hero, a new beat 'em up game.
