Esports Olympic Postponed to 2025

The Olympic Esports Games, initially slated for 2025, have been postponed. While the event is still planned, it will now take place sometime between 2026 and 2027. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) cited the need for more time to finalize crucial aspects of the competition as the reason for the delay.

The Postponement: Why the Shift to 2026-2027?

Organizing an esports tournament on the scale of the Olympics presents significant logistical challenges. The IOC and the International Esports Federation (IESF) require additional time to address several key issues. These include:

• Unfinalized Details: A definitive list of games, venues, and specific dates remain unconfirmed.
• Qualification System: Establishing a fair and equitable global qualification system for players is proving complex.
• Publisher Concerns: Reportedly, game publishers expressed concerns regarding the original, tight deadline.

The committees now face the task of selecting appropriate game titles, securing suitable venues, creating a robust qualification process, and ensuring adequate funding.

The aim of the Olympic Esports Games is to provide esports with a prominent platform alongside established Olympic sports. The postponement, if it results in a better-organized, more refined, and truly Olympic-worthy competition, might be a worthwhile trade-off.

For further information on the Olympic Esports Games, visit the official IOC website.

For a change of pace, check out our article on the new beat 'em up game, School Hero.