Esports at the Olympics: A Quest for Recognition
Tags: gaming
Published: 2023-12-05 12:21:52

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently ventured into the realm of virtual sports with the Olympic Virtual Series, a unique competition featuring events that bear a resemblance to traditional sports rather than the well-known esports titles like League of Legends, Overwatch, and Counter-Strike. In an unexpected turn, the IOC opted for games mirroring activities such as cycling, sailing, and rowing, a move seen by many as a response to the escalating growth of esports worldwide.

## **The Olympic Dilemma**
While the esports community once harbored hope for inclusion in the Olympics, recent developments have dashed those expectations. The IOC's stance seems clear: the esports we know and love won't be part of their plans, at least not in the foreseeable future. This disappointment contrasts with the optimism sparked during the 2017 Olympic Summit, where discussions unfolded about the potential inclusion of esports as a future Olympic event.

## **Roadblocks and Challenges**
However, major roadblocks quickly emerged. The Summit emphasized that esports must align with Olympic values and adhere to strict rules and regulations. This requirement posed a significant challenge, given the diverse nature of esports titles and the absence of a unified governing body. Additionally, concerns were raised about the violent nature of certain games, setting the stage for a contentious relationship between esports and the IOC.

## **The Thomas Bach Factor**
In 2018, another glimmer of hope emerged as an international StarCraft event, IEM Pyeongchang, coincided with the Winter Olympics. Despite this positive development, IOC President Thomas Bach raised concerns about violence in esports titles, perpetuating the notion that such games were incompatible with Olympic ideals. The lack of active women's disciplines in major esports further added to the list of obstacles.

## **The Present and Future**
As of 2019, any aspirations for esports inclusion in the Olympics suffered a major setback. The IOC declared its reluctance to support video games not directly based on traditional sports. The 2020 Plus 5 agenda reinforced the IOC's commitment to collaborating with the gaming industry to promote real sports among youth, signaling a clear departure from the prospect of esports featuring in the Olympics.

## **Esports Thriving Independently**
Despite the setbacks, esports has thrived independently. The industry's multi-billion dollar status and its surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic have bolstered its credibility. Competitions like the Southeast Asian Games have embraced esports, recognizing its significance. Streaming collaborations with platforms like Twitch showcase a willingness to bridge the gap between traditional sports and **[esports betting](https://onlinebettingapps.org/esports-betting/)**.

## **The Future Landscape**
The question arises: Does esports need the Olympics for credibility? The resounding answer seems to be no. The gaming industry has evolved into a self-sufficient entity, attracting massive audiences and financial investments. While the Olympics might not be a crucial factor in esports' growth, the ongoing dialogue prompts us to reflect on the potential synergy between the two worlds.

## **Conclusion**

In the ongoing saga of esports' pursuit of Olympic recognition, it's evident that the two worlds have yet to find common ground. The International Olympic Committee's (IOC) cautious approach, fueled by concerns over violence, lack of standardized governance, and a preference for physicality in games, has created a seemingly insurmountable divide.