The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a significant 12-year partnership with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Saudi Arabia, selecting the nation as the host country for the Esports Olympic Games. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
This announcement follows the IOC’s earlier decision to establish the Olympic Esports Games, aiming to expand the reach and impact of esports within the Olympic movement.
Key Figures in the Deal
In a report from The Esports Advocate, IOC President Thomas Bach praised the NOC of Saudi Arabia for its dedication to promoting gender equality and its expertise in esports.
He stated, “We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi NOC on the Olympic Esports Games because it has great – if not unique – expertise in the field of esports with all its stakeholders. The Olympic Esports Games will greatly benefit from this experience. By partnering with the Saudi NOC, we have also ensured that the Olympic values are respected, particularly with regard to the game titles on the program, the promotion of gender equality, and engagement with the young audience, which is embracing esports.”
Bach joins key figures in the deal, such as HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, and Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud.
HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal currently holds multiple roles in the sporting and esports community in the Kingdom, such as Minister of Sport, President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, President of the Saudi Esports Federation, Vice President of the Global Esports Federation, and President of the International Esports Federation.
HRH Princess Reema, meanwhile, is an IOC member, Board member of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and President of the Women’s Committee
The groundwork for this partnership was laid during Bach’s visit to Riyadh in December, where he attended the Saudi National Games, an event showcasing both traditional Olympic competitions and esports. Bach was impressed with the organization and the rapid development of sports in Saudi Arabia, especially the increased participation of women.
Concerns and Criticisms
Despite the promising aspects of the deal, concerns remain among the esports community regarding the selection of game titles. The IOC’s refusal to include violent games has led to skepticism about the competitive quality of the titles chosen. Reports suggest ongoing negotiations with major publishers to include popular titles, though these remain unverified.
Furthermore, the IOC’s reliance on member federations to influence game selection has previously led to criticism. The 2023 Olympic Esports Week featured lesser-known games, some developed by companies with financial ties to the federations, leading to concerns about transparency and fairness.
Gender equality was a key theme in the announcement. Bach emphasized the role of the Women’s Committee under Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud in advancing women’s participation in sports in Saudi Arabia. Princess Reema highlighted the growing trend of female participation in esports, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
However, critics argue that these initiatives serve to obscure ongoing human rights issues in Saudi Arabia. Activists, including Elise Evans, Executive Director of Human Rights Matter, contend that while the government promotes female participation in sports, underlying issues of gender inequality and restrictive laws persist.
Saudi Arabia’s increasing investments in esports has sparked intense online criticism over the country’s stance on women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and censorship. Some industry voices have described Saudi Arabia’s involvement in competitive gaming as “esportswashing,” suggesting it is an effort to divert attention from its human rights record, as well as its brutal treatment of journalists following the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.
