IOC Launches Olympic Virtual Series in Huge Step for Esports

In what is significant news for the Esports industry as a whole, the International Olympic Committee has announced the launch of the Olympic Virtual Series (OVS). Beginning on May 13, a total of five sports are to be involved in the initiative, baseball, cycling, rowing, sailing and motor racing.

Based on a statement from the IOC, we know that the OVS will “mobilise virtual sport, Esports and gaming enthusiasts all around the world in order to reach new Olympic audiences.”

What the News Means for Esports Going Forward

Meanwhile, the initiative will also aid “the development of physical and non-physical forms of sports”. Debates had taken place as to just how traditional sports and Esports could move forward together. The latest news is a clear indicator that the IOC is keen to have Esports involved in some shape or form.

Continuing in its press release, the IOC stated that it was encouraging the “development of virtual sports” while also “engaging with video game communities”. Speaking on the launch of the initiative, IOC President, Thomas Bach, said that: “The Olympic Virtual Series is a new, unique Olympic digital experience that aims to grow direct engagement with new audiences in the field of virtual sports. Its conception is in line with Olympic Agenda 2020+5 and the IOC’s digital strategy. It encourages sports participation and promotes the Olympic values, with a special focus on youth.”

As well as the five sports already associated, football, basketball, tennis and taekwondo are both potentially to join, with FIFA, the NBA, ITF and World Taekwondo having all declared their interest. The Olympic channel is to broadcast action live, with prizes to be announced in the coming weeks.

How Virtual Events Will Take Place

Gran Turismo is perhaps the best known game that will feature in the OVS, while Konami’s eBaseball Powerful Pro Baseball 2020 is to be used also. Elsewhere, cycling events will utilize platforms from Zwift, while a virtual sailing regatta will be held too. With Esports having been added to the 2022 Asia Games already, this is another giant leap for the future of the industry.

The latest announcements come off the back of an Esports summit held by the IOC back in 2018, with sponsor Intel having also hosted an event ahead of the Winter Olympics in the same year. While the possibility of seeing Esports featuring at the Olympics is increasing, Bach has stated that any games where “violence is glorified or accepted” will not be considered.