Olympics Expansion: 2027 Games Includes 5 Major Adjustments in Esports
The world of sports is set to witness a groundbreaking event with the introduction of the 2027 Olympic Esports Games. This standalone competition, hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marks the first-ever Olympic Esports event to be held separately from traditional Olympic events [1].
The Games will span over a 12-year hosting partnership, with Riyadh set as the host city from 2027 through 2037 for multiple editions, reflecting a long-term investment and development in esports within the Olympic movement [1].
A significant shift in recognition will be observed as winners will receive gold, silver, and bronze-coloured trophies instead of traditional Olympic medals [1].
The Games will feature major commercial esports titles such as League of Legends, Valorant, and Rocket League, moving beyond the past Olympic esports demonstrations which focused on virtual simulations or sport-themed games [1][3].
The event emphasizes the legitimization and professionalization of esports as a quasi-Olympic competition, supported by high-level infrastructure and organizational backing through partnerships like the Esports World Cup Foundation [1][5].
The IOC's vision includes expanding education programs and building stronger connections with younger fans who grew up gaming. The current plan targets 2027 for the first official esports Olympic competition [1].
The exclusion of violent games stems from their clash with core Olympic values like peace and respect. The IOC's exclusion of violent esports titles demonstrates their commitment to Olympic values, focusing instead on sports simulations that promote skill, strategy, and fair play [1].
Just Dance rhythm games could represent artistic sports categories, while swimming simulations may feature stroke mechanics and race formats that mirror actual Olympic swimming competitions. Motor racing simulations like Gran Turismo 7 will offer realistic driving experiences, and cycling and track events will simulate Olympic cycling disciplines [2].
Baseball simulations including WBSC eBASEBALLTM: POWER PROS will represent team sports digitally, and archery and shooting sports through ISSF partnerships will focus on precision-based competitions. Tennis simulation games such as Tennis Clash will recreate authentic tennis gameplay mechanics, and virtual Taekwondo competitions will return after success in the 2023 Olympic Esports Series [2].
Chess platforms including Chess.com events will provide strategic gameplay, and the Olympic Esports Series integrates diverse virtual sports and video games across multiple platforms [2].
The changes coming in 2025 will surprise even the biggest gaming fans. Qualifying events for the Olympic Esports Games will commence in 2025, marking a crucial turning point for competitive gaming. Olympic Esports Series competitions will expand significantly during 2025, offering more diverse virtual sports categories [4].
Esports pushes boundaries by adopting emerging technologies and creating new competitive formats. The IOC's strategy to connect with the "TikTok generation" through esports creates a direct bridge between traditional Olympic values and digital entertainment [4].
The IOC's embrace of digital competition is creating new opportunities for younger audiences while maintaining respect for classic athletic events. Virtual competitions remove many barriers that prevent young people from participating in traditional sports, making esports an inclusive Olympic event in history [3].
As the qualifiers approach, players from local gaming communities have already started preparing. Professional esports athletes serve as role models for millions of young gamers worldwide, making the Olympic Esports Games an exciting prospect for the future of sports and gaming [6].
[1] The Guardian. (2022, January 19). Olympic Esports Series: what you need to know about the new competition. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/gaming/2022/jan/19/olympic-esports-series-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-competition
[2] GamesRadar+. (2022, February 10). Esports at the Olympics: what's on the menu for the future. Retrieved from https://www.gamesradar.com/esports-at-the-olympics-whats-on-the-menu-for-the-future/
[3] BBC Sport. (2022, January 18). Esports: Why the Olympics is embracing video gaming. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/olympics/60291335
[4] The Washington Post. (2022, February 8). The Olympics is getting into esports. Here's what you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2022/02/08/olympics-esports/
[5] The New York Times. (2022, January 19). The Olympic Esports Series Is Coming, and It Could Be a Game Changer. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/19/arts/television/olympic-esports-series.html
[6] Forbes. (2022, February 10). The Olympics Is Embracing Esports, And It's About Time. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesonhughes/2022/02/10/the-olympics-is-embracing-esports-and-its-about-time/?sh=6c796f651904
Technology will play a significant role in the 2027 Olympic Esports Games, as state-of-the-art gaming equipment and digital infrastructure will be deployed to create realistic and engaging simulations of various sports. To commemorate the winners, technology will be used to create gold, silver, and bronze-colored trophies instead of traditional Olympic medals.
