Overview
- The IOC, Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and Esports World Cup Foundation said they mutually ended their partnership after an internal review.
- The planned inaugural Olympic Esports Games that had been shifted to 2027 in Saudi Arabia have been cancelled.
- The IOC stated it will develop a new approach and seek a different partnership model to stage the Olympic Esports Games.
- Saudi-backed EWCF said it will continue independent initiatives, including launching the Esports Nations Cup in November 2026.
- The project had already been delayed from an initial 2025 target, with organizers citing concerns over format and publisher participation.