Olympic Esports Games Set to Level Up the Paris 2024 Olympics
Katherine Duong
In a groundbreaking move, the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced its intention to propose the creation of the Olympic Esports Games at the upcoming IOC Session during the 2024 Paris Olympics. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the integration of digital sports into the traditional athletic arena, reflecting the IOC’s commitment to evolving with the digital age.
The IOC’s journey into the world of esports has been both deliberate and ambitious. Since the creation of the IOC Esports Commission in September 2023, the organization has been exploring ways to embrace the rapidly growing esports community. A month later, the IOC announced its plans to develop an Olympic Esports Games, signaling a new era for the Olympic movement.
Now, with advanced discussions underway with a potential host for the Esports Games, the IOC is poised to make this vision a reality. An official announcement is expected soon, pending the finalization of formalities.
IOC President Thomas Bach expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, “With the creation of Olympic Esports Games, the IOC is taking a major step forward and is keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution. We are very excited how enthusiastically the esports community represented in our Esports Commission has engaged with this initiative. This is further proof of the attractivity of the Olympic brand and the values it stands for.”
This move comes on the heels of several esports-related activities by the IOC. The organization previously hosted the Olympic Virtual Series and the Olympic Esports Week, which featured popular titles like Rocket League, Street Fighter, Gran Turismo, and NBA 2K23. Despite mixed viewership, these events laid the groundwork for a more integrated esports presence within the Olympic framework.
As the Executive Board prepares to discuss the proposal during the next IOC Session in Paris, there is cautious optimism within the esports community. If approved, the Olympic Esports Games will be governed by a newly created, dedicated structure within the IOC, separate from the traditional organizational and financial model of the Olympic Games.
One notable caveat is the selection of games for the Esports Games. The IOC’s commitment to the Olympic values means that certain popular esports titles, particularly those with violent themes such as Counter-Strike and League of Legends, may be excluded. Instead, the focus will likely be on games that align with the IOC’s principles, potentially highlighting e-versions of traditional sports.
The potential inclusion of esports in the Olympic Games represents a significant step forward for both the IOC and the esports community. This initiative underscores the IOC’s recognition of the growing impact of digital sports and its willingness to adapt to contemporary cultural trends.
However, the journey has not been without challenges. The IOC’s previous forays into esports, including partnerships with the Olympic Council of Asia and the Esports Integrity Coalition (ESIC) to promote and regulate esports, have faced hurdles, particularly in terms of viewership and engagement. The upcoming Esports Games will need to address these issues to capture the imagination of both traditional sports fans and the esports community.
For many, the Olympic Esports Games represents a bridge between two worlds—the storied tradition of the Olympics and the dynamic, ever-evolving realm of esports. As the digital generation continues to redefine what it means to compete and achieve excellence, the inclusion of esports in the Olympics feels like a natural progression.
The IOC’s proactive approach to integrating esports reflects a broader trend of institutions adapting to the digital age. It’s a recognition that the future of sports includes not just physical prowess but also digital dexterity.
As the IOC gears up for its next session in Paris, the world will be watching closely. The potential approval of the Olympic Esports Games could herald a new chapter in Olympic history, one where digital athletes share the stage with their traditional counterparts. For now, the esports community and Olympic enthusiasts alike await with bated breath, hopeful for a future where the spirit of the Olympics extends into the digital realm.
References
Olympics Executive Board to officially propose Olympic Esports Games at Paris Olympics
Ivan Šimić 17
https://esportsinsider.com/2024/06/olympic-esports-games-ioc-session
IOC Executive Board proposes creation of ‘Olympic Esports Games
Akshat Trivedi