Esports Olympics Deal Crumbles! What Went Wrong in Riyadh?

Look Sports Media – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) have abruptly terminated their ambitious 12-year agreement to host the Esports Olympics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The surprising announcement, made on October 30th, 2025, throws the future of the event into uncertainty and raises questions about the IOC’s approach to competitive gaming.

The deal, initially unveiled in 2024, was a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program and closely linked to the Esports World Cup (EWC) initiative. However, a recent review between the IOC, SOPC, and the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) resulted in a mutual decision to dissolve the partnership. According to official statements, both parties remain committed to their individual esports endeavors, but will now pursue them independently.

Speculation is rife within the esports community regarding the reasons behind the split. Some suggest that Saudi Arabia’s focus on the Nations Cup, a country-vs-country tournament featuring traditional esports titles, may have superseded the Olympic commitment in terms of popularity and strategic importance. Others point to the IOC’s historical reluctance to fully embrace established esports titles, favoring sports simulation games that align more closely with "Olympic values."

For the IOC, this marks a significant setback and necessitates a revised strategy for entering the esports arena. The organization plans to incorporate feedback from its "Pause and Reflect" process and explore new partnership models. While acknowledging the strong desire and support for an Esports Olympics within the esports community and the Olympic Movement, the IOC faces the challenge of creating an event that resonates with both traditional sports fans and dedicated esports enthusiasts.

The IOC’s previous attempts to integrate esports have been met with skepticism. The 2023 Olympic Esports Series, held in Singapore, featured titles like "Tic Tac Bow," "Just Dance," and "Tennis: Clash," which were governed by federations of their physical-sport counterparts, largely excluding established esports governing bodies. This approach drew criticism for its perceived disconnect from the core of the esports industry.

While the future of the Esports Olympics remains unclear, the IOC has reiterated its commitment to launching the event "as soon as possible." However, without a clear vision and a willingness to embrace the established esports ecosystem, the organization risks alienating the very audience it seeks to attract. The termination of the Saudi Arabian partnership represents a pivotal moment for the Esports Olympics, forcing the IOC to re-evaluate its approach and chart a new course toward integrating competitive gaming into the Olympic movement.