Videogames may become an Olympic discipline from 2024

Last month, it was determined in which cities the summer Olympics will be held in 2024 and 2028. Given that only Paris and Los Angeles were in the competition, it was agreed that Paris would host the OI after Tokyo, and four years later the turn will come to Los Angeles.

In the context of video games, this news does not have a relevant value. But an interesting statement was heard yesterday when the vice-chairman of the Paris Olympic Committee's nomination for the OI 2024 gave an indication that playing videogames could be one of the Olympic disciplines in 2024.

Namely, Tony Estanguet told Associated Press he intends to hold talks with representatives of the esports competition and the International Olympic Committee with the aim of examining the grounds for the admission of electronic competitions to the Olympic Games program. Estanguet believes that the Olympic Games must retain importance among the younger generations, and that organizers should have an open mind for their expansion.

"We have to consider this because we can not say it is not part of the Olympic Games. The youngsters are interested in esports and similar competitions. Let's go and see that. Let's go find them, see if we can build interconnections. I do not want to say 'no' at the start. I think it will be interesting to talk to the MOO, with the esports family, in order to better understand what kind of process is, "- said Estanguet.

Although talks will be held, this does not mean that the International Olympic Committee will agree to the inclusion of electronic sports in the Olympic Games program. Estanguet points out that the decision on this is ultimately entirely on the IOC. The decision on this will be made only after the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.

Whatever the outcome is, the fact is that eSports competitions will indeed become part of the Olympics - at least those of the Asian Games. Namely, eSports will officially become one of the Olympic disciplines at the Asian Olympic Games in 2022.

Tagged with: Esports, Controversy, Sport