Japan is boldly stepping into the limelight with its bid to host the first-ever Esports Olympic Games in 2026. While the notion of organizing an esports event has lingered on the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) agenda, recent developments have thrust Japan into the forefront of this groundbreaking initiative.

Japan Might Host Esports Olympics in 2026

The shift in focus towards esports has been acknowledged by IOC President Thomas Bach, who emphasized the sector's remarkable growth and development. During an IOC session last October, Bach hinted at the significance of integrating artificial intelligence into the Olympic landscape, acknowledging the undeniable impact of esports.

The pivotal moment came to light during the Olympic Esports Week held in Singapore in June 2023, where over 500,000 participants engaged in 10 different events, drawing more than six million live views. These staggering figures validated the IOC's commitment to exploring esports further, leading to the announcement of plans for an esports competition in October 2023.

Japan, racing ahead in the bid to host this historic event, emerges as the frontrunner according to credible reports from The Japan Times. Ongoing discussions between the IOC and Japanese officials indicate a potential intensification in the early weeks of 2024. If confirmed, 2024 could mark the inaugural year for the Esports Games, coinciding with the debut of the Olympic event and the Esports World Cup hosted by Saudi Arabia.

IOC President Thomas Bach's New Year message emphasized the allure of esports and the potential it holds within the Olympic framework. Confirming that the IOC's Esports Commission is actively exploring the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, Bach hinted at a divergence from tradition. The prevailing sentiment leans towards establishing a separate event for esports, distancing it from the conventional Olympic edition.

Also read: Carnival Gaming Unveils Star-Studded BGMI Roster, Featuring Team SouL

Bach, in his October 2023 remarks, highlighted the vast opportunities presented by the global rise of esports, stressing the urgency to capitalize on them. With an estimated three billion people worldwide engaged in esports and video games, the majority under 34 years old, the IOC recognizes the need for a new mindset to embrace this rapidly changing landscape.