The first-ever Esports Olympic Games, which were to be held in Saudi Arabia in 2025, have been postponed to 2026, or even 2027. This is due to the fact that the organizers want more time to come up with a new model and secure its funding, since the current Olympic standards do not meet the needs of this new discipline. Some misgiving has also been expressed by publishers of video games over the 2025 date, citing a lack of certainty about the specific titles of games, venues, exact dates, and the conditions of qualification for the games.

It was unanimous for the International Olympic Committee to create the Esports Olympic Games which later was to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2025. In their efforts, IOC aimed at coming up with a format that would meet the Olympic principles while at the same time being attractive for esports. However, considering all challenges, some extra time to prepare the event became reasonable.

Preparation and Challenges

The very short time to prepare for the 2025 event is a major challenge. It is because of the lack of information regarding game titles, venues, dates, and procedures concerning participant qualification that makes the game publisher cite complications in organizing the first event of this scale.

Future Plans

With the postponement to 2026 or even 2027, the organizers of the Esports Olympic Games will be able to work out a "new event structure and financial model" that meets both the Olympic principles and the expectations created in the esports community. Eventual competitions may also include virtual presentations from traditional sports like archery, baseball chess, sailing, tennis, motorsport, and even dance sport.

Conclusion

The postponement of Esports Olympic Games will help the organizers to better prepare for the competition, according to the requirements of the Olympics and the respective category of esports, which will give the quality to that competition.