IOC and Saudi Arabia Review Cybersport Olympics Collaboration

Published February 1, 2025 18:11

Pavel Goryachkin

Pavel Goryachkin

Корреспондент
Photo: Ella Don / Unsplash

According to reports from Sport Business journalists, the inaugural cybersport Olympics may be postponed to 2027.

Initially scheduled in Riyadh in November 2025, potential participants have expressed concerns due to the lack of specific competition dates. The event’s official name remains undisclosed, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has yet to approve the rules for athlete selection.

This event was intended to be the world’s premier cybersports competition. Saudi Arabia secured the rights to host the event until 2037, with Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud highlighting the kingdom’s aspirations to become the global hub for cybersports.

It has come to light that Saudi authorities plan to build a cyber sports city, Kiddyia, which will accommodate 300,000 residents. They aimed to invest $500 mln in the project and complete it by the end of 2024. However, there have been no updates regarding the progress of the construction.

Journalists speculate that the kingdom’s sports authorities are currently focused on preparations for the World Cup in 2034.

Meanwhile, the IOC is gearing up for the election of its new president. David Lapartian, who previously oversaw cybersport initiatives, may take on this role. In his new position, he must prioritise the IOC’s broader objectives, which could result in Cybersport being sidelined for an extended period.

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Forza Horizon 5 will be released on PlayStation 5 this spring.

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