Olympic Esports Games May Be Delayed Until 2027

The much-anticipated Olympic Esports Games, which were originally slated for 2025, may face a significant delay, potentially pushing the event's debut until 2027. According to a report from SportBusiness, the delay is due to several factors, including the need for organizers to establish a new hosting and financing model and concerns from game publishers about the tight timeline.

As of now, no official announcements have been made regarding the specific games, dates, or venues for the inaugural event. The official Olympic Esports Games webpage still mentions 2025 as the target year, but it also notes that work is still underway to select the city and venue, determine which game titles will be included, and finalize the qualification process for players.

This delay, though not officially confirmed, raises questions about whether the ambitious plans for the event can be fully realized within the original timeline. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has declined to comment on the reported delay, offering only a general statement about the ongoing organization of the event. An IOC spokesperson emphasized that the creation of a new esports hosting model, distinct from the traditional Olympic Games structure, is a complex and important task. The IOC and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee have been working together through a joint committee, which has led to strong collaboration.

The IOC's statement further stressed that organizing the Olympic Esports Games is as important as developing a comprehensive roadmap for the event, which includes raising awareness, promoting the Games, and engaging participants. The spokesperson noted that discussions within the joint committee are ongoing, with the goal of making the first Olympic Esports Games a landmark event in both the esports world and the broader Olympic Movement.

While 2025 is still the official target year, it's becoming increasingly clear that the event's debut may not happen as quickly as originally planned. With so many details still to be determined and work yet to progress at full speed, a delay to 2027 now seems possible. Fans and participants alike will need to wait for further updates as organizers work through these challenges. We'll keep you posted on any official developments regarding the event's schedule and format.