The IOC has reaffirmed that esports is still part of its plans for the future, despite worries that have been raised about the future of gaming in the Olympics. Speaking ahead of the upcoming IOC session in June, IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry stated that the organization has not abandoned its esports ambitions. Furthermore, it continues to explore how gaming can fit into the Olympic ecosystem.
IOC Reassures Esports is Still Part of the Olympics Plan
Questions regarding the future of esports in the Olympics arose early this year due to the suspension of activities conducted by the IOC Esports Commission back in May 2026.
The issue was further complicated when the proposed partnership between the IOC and Saudi Arabia broke down, where the aim was the establishment of the Esports Olympic Games from 2027.
The esports community believed that the project had been shelved. Fortunately, Coventry’s recent statements hint at continued IOC interest despite it taking a bit longer than previously anticipated.
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Esports Now Managed Through Executive Office
According to Coventry, esports programs are currently being executed directly within her executive office and with the help of gaming and esports specialists.
In addition, she noted that currently esports does not belong to the list of the IOC’s urgent priorities. Its focus is currently more on its overall “Fit for the Future” program that includes Olympic event management, governance, athlete safety, commercialization, and youth sport.
Despite the fact that esports did not become part of IOC’s urgent plan, Coventry’s words show that esports continues to have importance for this international organization.
Olympic Esports Plans May Return With New Approach
The current strategy for the International Olympic Committee seems to involve a second look at incorporating gaming into the Olympics in a more sustainable and universally recognized manner.
Experts in the industry feel that the IOC may be adopting a more cautious stance before launching any official Olympic games events within the world of esports.
Though there have been no details regarding any official dates yet, the recent statements make one feel hopeful about the potential inclusion of esports in the Olympics in the near future.
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