First eSports Olympic Games in Saudi Arabia

Greetings, PC Master Race warriors and eSports lovers! Today we are going to talk about a news that would make our parents' hair stand on end: the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the first eSports Olympicswhich will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2025. Yes, those games that many said were a “waste of time” are now Olympic sports. Who’s laughing now, huh?

The Big Turnaround in eSports

Let’s start from the beginning. Who hasn’t heard the classic phrase: “Put down that video game, it’s not going to get you anywhere!”? Well, it seems the IOC completely disagrees. Saudi Arabia has been chosen as the inaugural host of the eSports Olympic Games, marking a new era for eSports. And all this in a country known for its strict laws and, until recently, a very conservative view on the role of women in society.

And why Saudi Arabia?

Ah, Saudi Arabia. A country where playing video games on the street is almost as popular as riding a camel. All kidding aside, Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in the development of eSports, trying to position itself as a global hub for the sector. It’s a masterstroke (or perhaps just an expensive marketing ploy) to open itself up to the West and show that it’s “evolving” socially.

Impact in Brazil

And what does this mean for us Brazilians? Well, according to Marcelo Mattoso, partner at Barcellos Tucunduva Lawyers and specialist in the Games and eSports Market, Brazil has the potential to stand out internationally by 2025. Despite the challenges, the electronic games sector in Brazil should reach revenues close to US$ 3 billion by 2026. It seems that the Brazilian community, which has always held this scenario together with tooth and nail, is finally reaping the rewards of its efforts.

The Glory of Gamers

Just imagine: those same gamers who were once ridiculed for spending hours in front of the screen are now competing for Olympic medals. Players like “N0tail” (Denmark), Lee Sang-hyeok (South Korea) and our very own FalleN (Brazil) will be in the spotlight, showing the world that eSports is indeed a serious sport. And of course, we PC masters have known this for a long time.