First Esports Games Scheduled for 2027 in Riyadh

The International Olympic Committee confirms Saudi Arabia as the host for the debut event, with qualifying competitions starting this year.

The inaugural Olympic Esports Games will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027, as part of a 12-year partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The event was initially expected to debut in 2025 but has been rescheduled to allow for better preparation and development of the program.
A six-member panel, co-chaired by IOC member Ser Miang Ng and Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, will determine the games included in the event.
Qualifying competitions for national teams will begin this year, forming part of the 'Road to the Olympic Esports Games' initiative.
Saudi Arabia, which has heavily invested in esports and other major sporting events, aims to align the Olympic Esports Games with global standards and Olympic values.