

The Olympic Esports Games 2025 was poised to be a landmark moment for competitive gaming – though we now say "was" rather than "will be." The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially postponed the event from its planned 2025 schedule.
Why the Olympic Esports Games Got Delayed
Originally scheduled for Saudi Arabia this year, the inaugural Olympic Esports Games will now take place between 2026 and 2027. The IOC cites the massive logistical challenges of creating an Olympic-scale esports tournament as the primary reason for rescheduling.
Key obstacles include:
- No finalized game lineup
- Unconfirmed tournament venues
- Lack of fixed competition dates
- Pending qualification system development
- Game publishers expressing concerns about the rushed timeline
The extra preparation time should allow organizers to:
- Select appropriate competitive titles
- Establish fair global qualification standards
- Secure suitable venues and infrastructure
- Develop proper funding and sponsorship plans
While disappointing for eager fans, this delay could ultimately result in a more polished event worthy of Olympic standards. The IOC aims to give esports proper recognition alongside traditional sports through this landmark competition.
For official updates, visit the IOC website. Before you go, check out our coverage of School Hero, a new beat 'em up game featuring horde battles against enemy classmates.