Esports for the Olympics: Is it still a distant dream?
Esports’ growth in recent years is undeniably huge, which has made it a worldwide phenomenon. With millions of fans, packed arenas, and billion-dollar revenues, it’s now one of the biggest industries out there.
One might think everything’s going well for esports, except there’s one question that still lingers. Despite its global growth and firmer professional structure, why is esports still not part of the Olympics?
With the 2028 Los Angeles (LA) Olympics nearing, debates around esports as a sport in the event one day are heating up. Even sports like cricket and lacrosse have made the cut. So, if traditional games can return and debut, why is esports still out?
Current status: Esports as a pro sport
Esports is no longer just a hobby among casual gamers. Global tournaments like Dota 2’s The International now offer prize pools that reach over $40 million. Some of these events can even bring viewership numbers on par with those of top football or basketball games.
Beyond prize money, pro leagues like the LoL Champions Korea (LCK) and the Overwatch League operate like any top-tier sports teams. They have rules, contracts, and full-time players. These leagues follow strict rules and structured seasons. Teams also have trade windows, just like other sports like football.
In some countries, esports is backed by the state. South Korea, China, and the United States, among others, treat esports players as pro athletes. Some schools even offer scholarships to help gamers kickstart their esports journey early.
In 2015, the Korean eSport Association (KeSPA) was able to endorse esports as a second-level Olympic Sport. This brought them close to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and closer to the Olympics lineup…or did it? Ten years later, and they’re still offshore.
Olympics 2028 nearing: Why is esports still out?
The 2028 LA Olympics is introducing a new batch of sports, with cricket coming back after 128 years. Flag football, baseball, and squash are also joining in. These sports were added based on the IOC’s strict criteria for sports inclusion:
- The sport must be played in at least 75 countries across continents.
- It must have an international federation that follows the Olympic Charter.
- The sport must follow the anti-doping code and rules on fair play.
- The IOC further checks if the sport fits the Olympic spirit and values.
Esports ticks some boxes but still falls short on others. No single federation oversees all games. Developers also own the titles, branding, and rules, which go against how Olympic sports are run.
Will esports grace the Olympic stage?
Esports still faces key roadblocks to cross the Olympic line. However, times are changing. More young people now watch games online than on TV. Pro gamers train hard, just like other athletes, to build quick reflexes, sharp skills, and strong teamwork.
In some ways, esports may already be bigger than the Olympics. Just look at the size of its crowds, the sponsorships, and the massive prize pools and fan base built. In essence, esports may not need the Olympics, but if the Games want to stay relevant, it may be time to catch up.
