Official First-Ever eSports Olympics Announced for 2025

If you’re good at video games, you could prove your talents and win a gold medal. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recently announced the first eSports Olympics for the most hardcore professional gamers. What does this mean for the gaming community, and what titles can you expect? Here’s what you need to know about this new event. 

The eSports Olympics Announcement 

On July 23, the IOC made history by establishing an event for those who like keyboards and controllers than with surfboards or basketballs. The 142nd IOC meeting in Paris approved the Olympic eSports Games, which will start in 2025. 

Its first events will occur in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — the site of this year’s eSports World Cup. The IOC’s partnership with the country will continue for the next 12 years thanks to the National Olympic Committee (NOC). 

This positive shift isn’t a surprise for the eSports community, considering the professional opportunities for gamers. If you have keyboard skills, you can join competitors in multiplayer games like Fortnite or Apex Legends. Beware, though — some of these players are extremely good.

Are eSports Coming to the Summer and Winter Olympics?

The growth of eSports is no accident. Competitive gaming has surged — especially since the COVID-19 pandemic — as players find ways to connect and compete. There have been rumors for years about adding eSports to the Olympics because of its international appeal. 

The recent announcement said the eSports Olympics will be its own event and separate from the regular games. Can you imagine winning a gold medal and showing it off next to Simone Biles and LeBron James? 

While the gamers won’t be at the same locations, the good news is they get an entire event to themselves. The precise location in 2025 is unknown, but the gamers anticipate a sizable venue and plenty of press as they take on the most exciting games. 

What Games Will Be at the eSports Olympics?

The Olympics for gaming will be an exciting time for the eSports community. What titles should you expect to see for next year’s event? Here’s the rundown with everything you need to know. 

1. Non-fighting Games

First, it’s essential to note what games likely won’t be in the eSports Olympics. The IOC and NOC hold high honor and prestige, so gamers shouldn’t anticipate fighting games being among the events. The combat seen in these titles is likely too much for worldwide audiences to stomach.

One eSports industry expert says games like Overwatch, League of Legends and Valorant may be too violent for the IOC, and the committee must find other options. However, past events in 2021 and 2023 suggest gamers weren’t happy with the selections and want change moving forward. 

So, what types of games should you anticipate? Winning a gold medal at these new Olympic games means you’re good at sports, racing and board games. These competitive events are friendlier to the average family watching and enjoying the games. 

2. Gran Turismo

The IOC has yet to officially announce which games will be in the 2025 eSports games. However, the organization’s Esports Week in 2023 can serve as a guide for the inaugural event. One of the first games you should expect to see is Gran Turismo.

Fresh off its popular 2023 movie, Gran Turismo is one of the games to expect in the eSports Olympics. This title is among the most popular racing games worldwide because of its realistic driving and racing styles. Don’t forget about the incredible cars you can choose in the game.

Another reason Gran Turismo should be in the eSports Olympics is its international appeal. Each title features tracks from the U.S., Belgium, the U.K., Japan and other incredible locations. You can also drive a Lamborghini and other prestigious luxury cars. 

3. FIFA/EA Sports FC

It’s hard to discuss international sports without mentioning football. FIFA was one of the most popular video games ever, with each year’s edition selling millions. In fact, the 2018 edition sold 26.4 million copies ahead of that year’s World Cup in Sochi, Russia. 

Now, players recognize the franchise through its new name, EA Sports FC. This game would be an easy selection for the IOC because you can find football and enthusiastic players on every continent. If the committee wants team games, you can easily have groups of 11 players each.

The famous football title also appeals to the international spirit of the Olympics. Countries convene every four years for the World Cup and Olympics and create long-lasting memories if they win. You’d achieve a similar feeling if you won a gold in the eSports Olympics in this game. 

4. Rocket League

If we’re talking about football, we may as well mention Rocket League. The 2015 title was one of the most popular indie games before its Epic Games acquisition. Since the shift, Rocket League has changed how people view the sports gaming industry.

Have you ever considered playing international football with racecars? Of course not! However, Pysonix developed this intriguing game that could be making its way to the eSports Olympics. The competitive nature and popularity fit what the IOC looks for. 

While based in America, Rocket League is popular in countries worldwide. Experts say the game’s core audience — besides the United States — is in European countries like the U.K., Poland and Russia. Additionally, the game is popular in Australia, Canada and Saudi Arabia.

5. NBA 2k

Basketball is another notable Olympic event you’ll likely see in the 2025 eSports games. The sport has terrific international appeal, with countries on every continent competing for Olympic gold. While the U.S. is dominant, Australia and France have been terrific in recent years. 

If the IOC inserts basketball for 2025, NBA 2k is the most logical choice. This franchise consistently produces terrific video games and has fans in other countries. NBA 2k would let competitive gamers play with existing teams or field squads with human teammates. 

Using NBA 2k or Rocket League would require licensing rights from Take-Two Interactive or Epic Games. However, it’s easy to imagine obtaining them because of basketball’s global expansion. The 1992 Dream Team’s effect still lives on today. 

The Future of eSports and the Olympics

Gamers got exciting news in late July when they heard about the eSports Olympics. While the event is separate from the summer and winter games, there is plenty to look forward to in 2025. You’ll have the opportunity to win gold in numerous competitive sports, so watch for the IOC’s decision on the eligible games.