The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that after just one year, its partnership with the Saudi Olympic committee to hold an Olympic Esports event in Saudi Arabia has ended. In a statement the IOC claimed that this decision to cancel the event is a better approach to “spread the opportunities” of the Olympic Movement. But according to the statement, the agreement was made mutually with both parties “committed to pursuing their own esports ambitions.”
Saudi Arabia has been increasingly involved in the gaming world, with the country hosting the Esports World Cup for the past two years. The country has been funding these events through its Public Investment Fund, which has been part of an effort to “move away from its reliance on oil.” The Esports World Cup holds the biggest prize pot in competitive gaming, with this year’s competition boasting a $70 million prestigious prize pool. It has also been announced that the country will host the Esports Nations Cup in November 2026 as well.
It was recently announced that Saudi Arabia, among other groups, purchased Electronic Arts for $55 billion and now holds stakes in one of the biggest video game companies. The country also holds shares in other major companies including Nintendo, Take-Two and Activision Blizzard.
Potentially Saudi Arabia’s current success in the gaming world has made them consider their priorities to hosting the Olympic Esports. Or arguably the partnership fell through due to the very different principles between the IOC and Saudi Arabia. It is not unknown that the Middle Eastern Kingdom has been accused of human rights allegations and further challenges against the country’s very strict anti-LGBT laws. The country is very far removed from the IOC’s inclusion and diversity policies which contribute to the fair development of sport.
Nevertheless the IOC have suggested that they hope to host Esports Games of its own and Saudi Arabia is seemingly in a world-leading position in supporting the competitive gaming world.
Read the Official International Olympic Committee’s statement here.
Words by Charlotte Thomas
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