olympic esports 2025: compete in saudi arabia

The first Olympic Esports Games will debut in Saudi Arabia in 2025, as announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This event is part of a 12-year partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia. Despite the announcement, details such as the event's specific location, dates, qualifications for participants, and involved game titles are still pending. The event aims to honor Olympic values while promoting esports on a global platform.

The IOC is considering partnerships with major game developers like Epic Games, Capcom, and Riot Games, hinting at the inclusion of games such as Rocket League, Street Fighter, and League of Legends. Previous esports trials featured games such as Gran Turismo, Just Dance, and Fortnite. However, the choice of Saudi Arabia as the host has sparked some controversy due to the country's human rights record.

The Olympic Esports Games are expected to feature Rocket League, Street Fighter, and League of Legends among other popular titles, though final selections are still to be confirmed.

League of Legends, developed by Riot Games, is one of the most popular esports titles globally, known for its competitive team-based gameplay. Similarly, Rocket League combines soccer with rocket-powered cars, providing a unique and high-energy esports experience. Street Fighter, a flagship fighting game series from Capcom, has a long history in competitive gaming, making these titles fitting choices for showcasing at the inaugural Olympic Esports Games.