Gamer Guildhall

The International Olympic Committee held a press conference on December 10, 2025, to answer questions and discuss the plans of future Olympic games. Topics ranged from upcoming events to issue concerns and included commentary on the anticipated Esports Games. Given the recent October 30th announcement that the IOC would no longer be partnering with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), the future of the Olympic Esports Games has been unclear. While the IOC has expressed an interest in continuing to "develop a new approach to the Olympic Esports Games", the structure of these games is still in discussion. The conference helped shed some light on the status of official Esports Games progress.

Robert Livingstone, founder of GamesBids.com, posed the initial question pertaining to Olympic Esports. In response, it was noted that the IOC was taking time to "pause and reflect" in regard to this. The IOC's goal is to determine what they expect, what they want, and where they want to go in this area. To this end the IOC is putting together a team that, according to IOC President Kirsty Coventry, will include external industry experts "that really know the business". Continuing her statement, she explained that their role would be to ensure the games are "in line with not just where we would like to get to but where the market and especially where the industry is going". She also noted that the IOC is "looking forward to that in the next few months."

Another question regarding the direction of Olympic Esports Games was posed by Lei Shan. He noted China's esport fan base and inquired about China as a future host. Coventry acknowledged the success of recent national games held in that country and applauded the "passion and support" for sport held by the nation's leader. Building upon that, she went on to remark that the IOC's focus on "fit for the future" would include feedback from all stakeholders. She confirmed that the current stage of planning is consolidating that information "to help drive forward potential strategies for next year."

While the separation from partnership with the SOPC has been an unexpected turn, it seems the IOC's resolve to add Esports Games remains strengthened. The anticipation of gamers for an official Olympic worldwide esports competition continues to rise. We hope to see the development of these plans over the coming months, culminating in the realization of Olympic Esports.