The Olympic Esports Games are officially cancelled. On Thursday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that it is ending its partnership with Saudi Arabia – before the first event even took place, according to a report from the Associated Press (AP).

The agreement, announced in July last year, was intended to run for twelve years and begin with the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025, hosted by Saudi Arabia. At the time, IOC president Thomas Bach described it as “a new era for the IOC, keeping pace with the digital revolution.”

The plan was to create a major global esports event featuring tournaments across multiple titles. But now it’s official – the championship will not happen.

Both parties have confirmed that the agreement has been terminated early, with the IOC and Saudi officials stating that they remain “committed to supporting the growth of esports” in other ways.

Saudi Arabia has already organized similar events, including the Esports World Cup, which continues as part of the country’s ongoing investment in competitive gaming.

Source:
https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-statement-on-the-olympic-esports-games