Saudi Olympic Esports Games Delayed to 2026/2027
The first-ever Olympic Esports Games, initially scheduled to be hosted in Saudi Arabia in 2025, will be delayed by at least a year, organizers announced. Due to reported uncertainties over game titles, dates, and venues, the event's timeline will now be pushed to at least 2026 or 2027.
A new date for the event has yet to be announced, but organizers expect to make an official update later this year.
The Olympic Esports Games became official after a unanimous decision by the 142nd IOC Session in Paris in July. The IOC's partnership with the Saudi Arabian National Olympic Committee is established for a 12-year term.
'We are very fortunate to be able to work with the Saudi NOC on the Olympic Esports Games, because it has great – if not unique – expertise in the field of esports with all its stakeholders,' said IOC President Thomas Bach in a comment on the official announcement.
Saudi Arabia is no stranger to esports, with Bach's reference to the Kingdom's 'expertise' stemming from its hosting of the Esports World Cup (EWC) in the summer of 2024, which had the largest combined prize pool in esports history at over USD 60 million.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
12 hours ago
- CairoScene
Saudi Arabia Launches AI Curricula and Global University Partnerships
Saudi Arabia's education reforms bring AI-focused curricula, new teacher training, and global university partnerships, aiming to prepare students for a tech-driven future. Saudi Arabia is accelerating its education reform agenda with a nationwide rollout of artificial intelligence (AI) curricula, expanded programs for gifted students, and a series of new partnerships with leading global universities. The Ministry of Education's latest initiatives are designed to equip students with advanced digital skills and foster a culture of innovation across the Kingdom's schools and universities. The introduction of AI-focused curricula marks a significant shift in classroom learning, with students now engaging in lessons that cover machine learning, data analysis, and ethical considerations in technology. The Ministry has also launched comprehensive training programs for teachers, ensuring that educators are prepared to deliver these new subjects and support students in developing critical digital competencies. In parallel, Saudi Arabia is expanding its programs for gifted and talented students, offering specialized tracks and resources to nurture high-achieving learners. These efforts are supported by collaborations with international institutions, including partnerships with universities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Asia. The goal is to provide Saudi students with access to world-class research, exchange opportunities, and joint degree programs. The new initiatives also include updates to assessment methods, with a greater emphasis on project-based learning and real-world problem solving. Schools are being equipped with advanced digital infrastructure, and students are encouraged to participate in international competitions and research projects.
CairoScene
2 days ago
- CairoScene
Lana Nazer Wins Most Outstanding Yoga Teacher at Asian Yogasana 2025
Lana Nazer is honoured as 'Most Outstanding Yoga Teacher' at the 6th Asian Yogasana Championship in the UAE, marking a historic first for Saudi Arabia and the Arab w Saudi yoga instructor Lana Nazer has been named 'Most Outstanding Yoga Teacher' by the Asian Yogasana Federation at the 6th Asian Yogasana Championship, held in the United Arab Emirates. Nazer is the first Saudi and the first Arab woman to receive this distinction since the award's inception. The award ceremony brought together leading sports figures and yoga federation representatives from across Asia, who recognised Nazer's role in popularising yoga and elevating its profile in Saudi Arabia and the wider region. Read our in-depth feature on Lana Nazer and her journey to founding the Kingdom's first luxury infrared yoga studio here
CairoScene
5 days ago
- CairoScene
Saudi VC Impact46 Invests Over $6.6 Million in Five Gaming Studios
The investment round includes Fahy, NJD, Game Cooks, Starvania, and Alpaka, whose projects span mobile, PC, console, and hybrid-casual action games. Aug 11, 2025 Saudi venture capital firm Impact46 has invested more than $6.6 million (SR 25 million) across five game development studios as part of its SR 150 million Gaming Fund, launched in March 2024. The investment round includes Fahy, NJD, Game Cooks, Starvania, and Alpaka, whose projects span mobile, PC, console, and hybrid-casual action games. The move expands Impact46's gaming portfolio to seven active ventures, following earlier investments in Spoilz and Spekter Games. The firm's gaming investments align with Saudi Arabia's National Gaming and Esports Strategy and Vision 2030, which aim to position the Kingdom as a global gaming hub. National initiatives supporting this sector include the National Development Fund, CODE, and the Saudi Esports Federation.
