Hey gamers and trendsetters, grab your controllers! 🎮 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Saudi Arabia have agreed to cancel their 12-year partnership to host the Olympic Esports Games in Riyadh.
The deal was set to be a big part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 push, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who’s a self-proclaimed gaming enthusiast. After announcing the plan last year, the inaugural event was already pushed from this year to 2027—but now it’s off the table.
So, what went wrong? A major sticking point was the choice of game titles. Saudi Arabia’s popular Esports World Cup lineup includes shooter hits like "Call of Duty" and "Street Fighter". But the IOC felt these didn’t fully align with Olympic values—think fair play and broader audience appeal.
Meanwhile, Saudi’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been busy flexing its muscles, recently leading a $55 billion buyout of big-name game maker Electronic Arts. Talk about high-stakes gaming moves! 💼🎮
Now, the IOC says it’s cooking up a "new approach" to esports, hunting for fresh partnerships that vibe with its long-term goals. Possible hosts on the radar include Singapore—where a 2023 gaming showcase won rave reviews—and China, the world’s largest esports market.
Whether you’re team Riyadh or eyeing a Singapore showdown, one thing’s clear: the esports arena is evolving fast. Stay tuned as the Olympic movement levels up its gaming game! 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
