IOC suspends Esports Commission, casting doubt on Olympic Esports Games

The International Olympic Committee has decided to suspend the work of its Esports Commission, putting the future of the Olympic Esports Games initiative into question, according to reports from Kyodo News.

The shift in direction is linked to IOC president Kirsty Coventry, who took office in June 2025. She is said to favor a more cautious and traditional approach to sports development.

In late January, Coventry addressed commission members, stating:

“I am taking responsibility for the future development of this direction. At the next stage, we will need a more integrated approach aligned with the overall strategy of the Olympic Movement.”

The Olympic Esports Games were originally announced by former IOC president Thomas Bach during the 2024 Summer Olympics. The initial plan was built around a 12-year partnership with Saudi Arabia, with the debut event scheduled for 2025.

However, in February 2025, the IOC postponed the first edition to 2027 to further refine the competition model. Later, on October 30, 2025, the IOC and Saudi Arabia officially ended their partnership, deciding to pursue their esports ambitions separately. Saudi Arabia has since shifted its focus to the Esports Nations Cup.