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The Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) warmly welcomes and fully supports this historic milestone–the announcement of the inaugural Olympic Esports Games by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in partnership with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), scheduled for 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This groundbreaking event marks a significant step in integrating esports into the Olympic Movement, highlighting the growing global recognition of electronic sports as being on par with traditional sports. This milestone will nurture talent, promote competitive integrity, and emphasize inclusivity, diversity, and unity within the esports community.

The Road to the Games will officially begin this year, offering unprecedented opportunities for Asian national athletes and teams to compete on the Olympic stage. As the sole governing body for esports in Asia, AESF stands in solidarity with the Asian national athletes and teams through our member associations, ensuring they are well-prepared to represent their countries and regions with pride and excellence.

AESF believes that the experience and exposure gained by our Asian national athletes and teams during the qualifying stages of the Road to Asian Games 2022, co-organized with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), and their participation at the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022, have equipped them with the skills and expectations necessary to compete on the Olympic stage. These athletes and teams are now well-positioned to align with the standards, rules, and regulations in compliance with Olympic values.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has partnered with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC) to bring this vision to life. As part of this collaboration, the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) will serve as the Founding Partner of the Olympic Esports Games. The IOC-EWCF partnership aims to bridge the gap between esports and traditional sports, fostering innovation and expanding opportunities for athletes and teams representing their countries and regions.

The Olympic Esports Games in Riyadh will stand as a testament to the power of esports in bringing people together, transcending borders and cultures. This event represents a milestone in esports history, underpinning AESF's advocacy for the legitimacy and growth of esports within the Olympic Movement. Moreover, it offers an opportunity to strengthen ties between Asian nations, fostering unity and cross-border collaboration in esports.

AESF remains committed to fostering regional cooperation and continuing our mission to build a sustainable and inclusive esports ecosystem.