Remember Olympics Esports Week in 2023 that got criticized for not having any real esports titles? Things may be different at the Olympics Esports Games 2025 (OEG) that got approved on July 23.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been actively pursuing the inclusion of esports in the Olympic Games since June 2024. A significant milestone was achieved when Saudi Arabia committed to supporting the initiative for the next 12 years, potentially hosting the event if approved.
In a major breakthrough, the IOC members unanimously approved the proposal at the 142nd IOC Session, held today during the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
But esports fans are concerned it would be the same Singapore Olympics 2023 story all over again, where virtual versions of real sports were played in the name of esports. Would things be any different at OEG 2025?
Potential Esports Olympics games list for 2025
The IOC has yet to unveil the official Esports Olympics games list, but we can take an informed guess based on Olympic rules, which prioritize non-violent games. Using this guideline as a filter, here’s a potential lineup of Esports Olympics games that might make the cut:
- Rocket League
- Hearthstone
- Puzzle Fighter
- Mario Kart
- Splatoon
- Super Smash Bros
- FIFA
- Madden NFL
- NBA 2K
Coincidentally, all top esports titles have some form of violence. It’s safe to say that the most popular esports title, Counter-Strike 2, would likely not be part of the Olympic games list. However, if the IOC adopts a more flexible stance and permits games with non-graphic violence, we might see top titles like:
- League of Legends
- Dota 2
- Overwatch
- StarCraft II
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It would surely be interesting to see how the IOC runs with OEG, the first ever proper Esports Olympics, which would operate as a separate entity. According to IOC, preparations have already begun, with the committee finalizing a venue in Saudia Arabia for 2025.
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