Esports Set to Debut in Olympics by 2025, Announces IOC President Thomas Bach
Dive into the future of Olympics as IOC President Bach announces plans for the inaugural Olympic Esports Games, potentially arriving in 2025. Explore the evolving landscape of sports and technology.

Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), revealed on Monday that the inaugural edition of esports in the Olympics is expected to debut as early as next year.
While the plan is not finalized, Bach announced significant progress during the 141st IOC session in October last year, where plans for the Olympic Esports Games were initially disclosed.
“We could count on the first edition, offering the Olympic Esports Games in 2025, or the latest by 2026,” stated Bach, emphasizing the ongoing study’s advancements.
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The IOC’s interaction with the esports community began with the Esports Forum in 2018 and evolved with the introduction of the Olympic Virtual Series in 2021. Last year, the IOC further expanded its engagement with the Olympic Esports Week held in Singapore.
Bach highlighted the duality within esports, encompassing both virtual sports with physical activity and popular e-games aligning with Olympic values. “This allows us to create an interesting and values-based program,” he added.
In a separate context, Bach acknowledged the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the future of sports and the Olympic Games. He emphasized AI’s potential to democratize sports by offering optimal training methods, medical care, and mental health treatments universally.
“With AI, we can make this available for everybody,” Bach stated, foreseeing increased solidarity among athletes and the broader dissemination of Olympic values. Additionally, he expressed the likelihood of AI improving the judging and referee system within the IOC.
The convergence of esports and AI signifies a transformative era for the Olympics, with the potential for groundbreaking developments and enhanced global accessibility.
–IANS