Which Esports Games Are Part of Olympic Events: Complete Guide 2024
Currently, there are no official esports games in the Olympics. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken significant steps toward incorporating esports into the Olympic movement.
In 2024, the IOC is launching the Olympic Esports Series, which includes the following games:
Just Dance (Dance) Gran Turismo 7 (Motor Sport) Virtual Regatta (Sailing) Tennis Clash (Tennis) Zwift (Cycling) WBSC eBaseball: Power Pros (Baseball) Forza Motorsport (Motor Sport) Tic Tac Bow (Archery) Virtual Taekwondo (Combat Sports)
It's important to note that these games are part of the Olympic Esports Series, which is separate from the traditional Olympic Games. The IOC chose these titles because they closely simulate real-world sports and align with Olympic values.
Looking ahead, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics may potentially include esports as a demonstration sport, though this hasn't been officially confirmed. The IOC continues to explore ways to integrate competitive gaming into the Olympic framework while maintaining the traditional sporting spirit.
The key challenges preventing mainstream esports titles (like League of Legends, Dota 2, or CS:GO) from entering the Olympics include:
Violence content concerns Licensing and commercial rights issues Rapid changes in game popularity Lack of standardization across regions
While esports aren't officially part of the Olympics yet, the IOC's growing interest and initiatives like the Olympic Esports Series suggest we might see competitive gaming in future Olympic programs. For now, these virtual sports simulations serve as a bridge between traditional athletics and digital competition.
Remember that this landscape is constantly evolving, and the IOC's position on esports may change as the industry continues to grow and mature.