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8h ago

IOC Ends Saudi Deal, Leaving Olympic Esports Games Without a Host

The committee plans a new partnership model to better fit the Olympic Movement's long-term aims.

Kein Esports-Spiele in Saudi-Arabien
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Overview

  • The IOC and Saudi Arabia's national Olympic committee announced a mutual termination of their cooperation on the Olympic Esports Games.
  • The cancellation of the planned 2027 staging in Saudi Arabia leaves the inaugural edition without a confirmed timeline or venue.
  • The IOC says it will design a revised approach and seek new partners to deliver the first Games as soon as feasible.
  • The event was first slated for 2025 before being postponed to February 2027 under a 12-year hosting plan linked to then-IOC president Thomas Bach.
  • Kirsty Coventry now leads the IOC as it reassesses the project, with Saudi Arabia's broader sports-hosting push drawing ongoing human-rights scrutiny.