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Saudi Arabia to Host Inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025 Under 12-Year Deal

Jul 12, 2024, 12:44 PM

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced that Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025. This event marks the beginning of a 12-year commercial deal between the IOC and the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia. The agreement signifies Saudi Arabia's growing involvement in the esports industry, following its hosting of the Esports World Cup championed by FIFA earlier this year. The deal is pending official approval by IOC members in Paris next week. Saudi Arabia's heavy investment in sports has faced 'sportswashing' criticism.