A Sudden End to a Grand Partnership
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) have officially cancelled their 12-year deal to host the Olympic Esports Games in Riyadh.
The move marks a surprising and rare setback for Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 programme, which has poured billions into sports, gaming, and entertainment under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership.
Originally announced in 2024 and set to run until 2036, the partnership was meant to put Saudi Arabia at the centre of global esports through a long-term collaboration with the IOC and the Esports World Cup Foundation. But after months of discussions, both sides have decided to part ways, citing a mutual decision to “pursue their own esports ambitions on separate paths.”
IOC’s “Pause and Reflect”
In an official statement, the IOC explained that it will now “develop a new approach to the Olympic Esports Games,” incorporating insights from its recent “Pause and Reflect” process.
The committee said this rethink aims to align the Games more closely with the long-term goals of the Olympic Movement and “spread the opportunities presented by the Olympic Esports Games more widely.”
The IOC also emphasised that there is still strong support from both the esports community and Olympic stakeholders to make the project happen, just under a different framework.
This suggests that while the Saudi partnership has ended, the Olympic Esports Games themselves are far from dead. The IOC remains committed to launching the inaugural edition “as soon as possible,” though no new date or host nation has been confirmed.
A Blow to Saudi Arabia’s Esports Ambitions
For Saudi Arabia, the cancellation comes as an unexpected blow. The kingdom has been working aggressively to position itself as a global hub for gaming and esports through the Esports World Cup Foundation and its Vision 2030 initiative.
Riyadh has hosted record-breaking tournaments, attracted top-tier teams and developers, and recently announced the Esports Nations Cup, debuting in 2026 and set to run every two years. The loss of the Olympic Esports Games deal, however, dents what was arguably the country’s biggest international esports coup to date.
The Associated Press described the cancellation as a “rare failure” for Saudi-backed sports projects, most of which have gone ahead despite criticism and political scrutiny.
Community Reactions: Mixed and Heated
News of the cancellation quickly lit up social media, drawing a mix of celebration, criticism, and speculation.
Some users viewed the split as inevitable. One commentator wrote that Riyadh’s “esports dream crashing after the IOC pulls out isn’t shocking at all,” arguing that several Vision 2030 projects have “hit roadblocks” due to overambitious goals. Others were less diplomatic, with one quipping that “somebody realised it’s not a sport.”
However, supporters of Saudi’s esports push insisted the setback won’t slow the nation down. “Losing this deal doesn’t slow Saudi,” one fan wrote. “Whether it’s building leagues, supporting developers, or hosting events like the World Cup, Saudi is leading the way.”
What’s Next for the Olympic Esports Games?
While the inaugural Olympic Esports Games were initially targeted for 2027, that date now appears uncertain. The IOC says it is exploring new partners and models to bring the event to life, potentially opening the door to bids from other nations or private organisers.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will continue down its own path with domestic esports events and major global tournaments, using its vast resources and growing gaming infrastructure to maintain its momentum.
For now, though, the Olympic Esports dream in Riyadh has come to an end, and both sides will need to rethink how they plan to shape the future of competitive gaming on the world stage.