The International Olympic Committee says it has decided to establish the Olympic Esports Games, with the first edition scheduled to take place next year in Saudi Arabia.
On Tuesday, the IOC held a meeting in which it unanimously endorsed the proposal by its Executive Board to launch the computer games competition.
After the meeting, IOC President Thomas Bach said the decision shows that the committee is keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution.
He stressed that the Olympics must engage with the “digitally native generation” and focus on sports that are expected to grow along with younger people.
Bach noted that the decision will serve as a touchstone for the future and an introduction to a new frontier.
With the Paris Olympics scheduled to open on Friday, the session also reviewed the progress of preparations. Bach praised the efforts by the organizing committee and their growing momentum.
Votes to decide the hosts of the 2030 and 2034 Winter Olympics are expected on Wednesday, the second day of the session.