IOC President Confirms that Esports “very much alive” in Olympic Ambition
The International Olympic Committee’s president, Kirsty Coventry, has reaffirmed that esports remains a key part of the IOC’s long-term strategy despite recent organizational challenges. Speaking at a recent press conference, Coverty emphasized that the IOC’s esports ambitions are “very much alive,” though the timeline for advancing these plans has been adjusted.
The statement came ahead of the IOC’s Extraordinary 146th Session scheduled for June 24-25, where the organization will present its “Fit for the Future” (F4F) strategic framework. This multi-year plan will define the IOC’s direction and priorities for the next seven years. However, esports will not feature prominently on the June agenda, with Coverty clarifying that the IOC Executive Board will not receive an esports-focused presentation until after the session concludes.
The confirmation comes in the wake of the IOC’s suspension of its Esports Commission, marking a significant moment of transition for the Olympic body’s digital gaming initiatives. Despite this setback, the IOC remains committed to exploring how esports can integrate with the Olympic Games framework, though the exact pathway and timeline continue to develop. The delayed esports discussion suggests the IOC is taking a measured approach, likely using the interim period to refine strategy before formal presentations resume.