The first Esports Olympics (again) and the role of Artificial Intelligence.

On the near horizon, the world could witness the inauguration of the first Esports Olympics, an event that could take place in 2025 or, at the latest, in 2026. These are the words of Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)….

This ambitious project, which Japan aspires to host, promises not only to revolutionize the sporting landscape but also to highlight the growing relevance of the artificial intelligence in the sports arena.

Bach himself confirmed in an interview with Xinhua Sports the possibility of holding the first edition of the Esports Olympics in the aforementioned period. It remains to be seen what they mean by esports, but one way or another, this statement echoes an earlier acknowledgement: esports are an inescapable reality in contemporary society.whose exponential growth demands a profound reflection on the path to follow.

The trajectory towards this moment is a testament to the seriousness with which the IOC approaches this phenomenon. Events such as the Esports Forum in Lausanne in 2018., the Olympic Virtual Series in 2021 and the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore last year, have not only attracted spectacular audiences but also confirmed the success and relevance of these meetings.

According to Bach, the Olympic Esports Games will see an amalgamation of virtual sports with physical activity and popular electronic games that resonate with Olympic values.… This approach promises a program that is not only interesting but also deeply rooted in the principles that have guided the Olympic movement.

Artificial intelligence is shaping up to be a key pillar in this new facet of the Olympics. Bach emphasizes that AI will play a crucial role, not only in the sports arena but in all our lives. The promise is that every athlete will have access to the best tools, treatments, and personalized work with the help of AI. This will not only improve the performance of athletes but also the infrastructure around them, including essential elements such as judges and referees that ensure fairness in competitions.

The choice of Japan as host for these games has not yet been officially announced, but negotiations between the IOC and the Japanese authorities are expected to intensify. The success of the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore has awakened a general awareness of the need to materialize this project that promises to change not only the concept of sport, but also the social and market landscape.

This pioneering project reflects an evolution in the understanding of sport and its interaction with advanced technology, ushering in a new era in the history of the Olympic Games and global sport.