Olympic Committee Aims for Esports Revival at Paris 2024 amid Competition Challenges

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has faced numerous obstacles in integrating esports into its games. Historically, various events have been hosted, but these often fail to draw the biggest stars in the industry. Additionally, they usually don't focus on the most prominent games and competitive scenes because of the IOC's stance on combat and warfare. As a result, major titles such as Call of Duty and Counter-Strike, along with other big shooters and violent fighters, aren't included. Despite these challenges, the IOC is eager for another attempt at incorporating esports.

This ambition will be showcased at the Paris games this July/August. IOC president Thomas Bach has announced that an Olympic Esports Games event will take place in France next month. Notably, it will be distinct from the organizational and financial model of the regular Olympic Games.

The particulars of how the International Olympic Committee aims to entice elite squads and entities to pivot from the Esports World Cup in Saudi Arabia, despite its significant prize pool valued at several million pounds and its simultaneous scheduling, are not yet transparent. Nevertheless, Bach highlights that with the introduction of the Olympic Esports Games, the IOC is taking a significant stride forward, adapting to the digital revolution's pace. He emphasizes the enthusiastic engagement from the esports community represented in the Esports Commission, indicating that this move is further evidence of the attractiveness of the Olympic brand and its core values.