The International Olympic Committee and Saudi Arabia have officially ended their Esports Olympics deal in Riyadh.
The decision marks a rare setback for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sports initiatives.
Both parties confirmed the cancellation of their two-year partnership, stating they will now pursue separate esports ambitions. The deal, originally announced ahead of the Paris Olympics, was part of a broader effort to integrate competitive gaming into the Olympic framework.
Saudi Arabia already hosts the Esports World Cup, featuring popular shooter titles like Call of Duty and Street Fighter. These games posed challenges for IOC endorsement due to their violent content, which conflicted with Olympic values.
The Esports Olympics Deal was seen as a bold move to bridge traditional sports and digital competition. Its termination reflects deeper strategic differences between the IOC’s vision and Saudi Arabia’s gaming landscape.
Despite the split, both organizations remain committed to growing esports independently. Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in gaming as part of its Vision 2030 program, driven by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The cancellation underscores the complexities of aligning global sports governance with emerging digital platforms. It also signals the need for clearer standards in integrating esports into mainstream sporting events.
The Esports Olympics Deal may be over, but the race to define the future of competitive gaming continues.
