The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reportedly placed its esports activities on hold. According to a Kyodo News report, the organisation has effectively paused the work of its Esports Commission as part of a broader strategy reassessment.
The move is viewed as a change in the organisation’s priorities following the appointment of President Kirsty Coventry, who took office in June 2025. This contrasts with the approach of her predecessor, Thomas Bach, who had supported the integration of esports into the Olympic ecosystem.
Kyodo News reported that Coventry informed commission members earlier this year of a review into the IOC’s esports position, signalling uncertainty over the future of gaming within the Olympic Movement. Sources cited by the agency indicated that the commission’s activities have effectively ceased.
Esports growth prompted earlier efforts
Esports have gained traction among younger audiences, prompting the IOC to earlier explore its inclusion. In 2023, the organisation held the Olympic Esports Series in Singapore. The event was seen as a testbed for future integration of esports in the programme.
However, the initially planned flagship event, the Olympic Esports Games, had also encountered setbacks. The event was first announced as part of a long-term agreement with Saudi Arabia. But the inaugural edition was postponed from 2025 to 2027 in Riyadh. The event was later cancelled in October 2025.
IOC’s strategic pivot
Financial considerations have also played a role in the IOC’s strategic pivot. Kyodo News reported that cost pressures are prompting a reassessment of the Olympic programme. The up[coming Brisbane 2032 Games are expected to feature fewer sports and potentially reduced disciplines within those retained.
The reassessment of the programmes also extends beyond esports. Reports said that plans to introduce Summer Olympic sports into the 2030 French Alps Winter Games have also been dropped. Winter sports federations have opposed the idea. The IOC is expected to adhere to the Olympic Charter’s definition of winter sports as those practised on snow or ice, reinforcing a more traditional interpretation of the Games’ structure.
Esports betting still growing despite Olympic uncertainty
Esports continues to expand into adjacent sectors, such as betting. Insights from 2025 show that esports betting has shifted from an experimental product into a central part of sportsbook strategy. According to Oddin.gg, a B2B esports betting data and odds feed provider, operators are expanding into the segment to reach younger audiences, increase in-play activity and drive higher-value betting behaviour that supports long-term customer retention.
Data from leading esports titles such as Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, League of Legends and VALORANT also indicated that betting volume rose by 106 per cent between 2023 and 2024. Activity from the same group of bettors also increased by 70 per cent, pointing to stronger repeat engagement rather than one-off participation.
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