Could, Should, and Would Esports Become an Olympic Sport?

Esports, or competitive video gaming, has grown from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon. With millions of fans and players worldwide, it's no wonder people are asking: Could, should, and would esports become an Olympic sport? Let's dive into the debate.

Could Esports Become an Olympic Sport?

Esports has already made some headway into the world of international sports. For example, esports were included as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games, and by 2022, they were full medal events at the Southeast Asian Games. These milestones show that esports are being taken seriously, and their inclusion in the Olympics is a possible next step.

However, there are challenges. For esports to be in the Olympics, there needs to be a global governing body that oversees the sport, much like how FIFA manages soccer. Additionally, selecting which games to include is tricky, as the gaming landscape constantly evolves, and new popular games emerge frequently.

Should Esports Be Included in the Olympics?

There are strong arguments both for and against esports in the Olympics.

For Inclusion:

• Legitimacy and Skill: Like traditional sports, esports require significant skill, strategy, and training. Players spend countless hours honing their abilities, and the best are true athletes in their own right.

• Engaging Younger Audiences: The Olympics have seen a decline in viewership among younger generations. Including esports, as many young people are passionate about gaming, could bring those viewers back.

• Inclusivity: Esports is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. It provides a platform for those who need to improve in traditional sports to shine on a global stage.

Against Inclusion:

• Physicality: The Olympics are known for physical sports that require endurance, strength, and agility. Esports, while mentally demanding, do not require the same level of physical exertion, which some argue makes them less suitable for the Olympics.

• Olympic Values: Some of the most popular esports titles include violence, which goes against the peaceful competition values that the Olympics promote. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed concerns about including games that might not align with these values.

• A Passing Trend?: Esports is still relatively new, and the popularity of certain games can be fleeting. Some worry that the fast-paced nature of the industry might not be a good fit for the timeless and traditional Olympic Games.

Would Esports Enhance or Detract from the Olympic Spirit?

Including esports in the Olympics could bring many benefits. It could introduce the Games to new audiences, increase revenue through sponsorships, and showcase a modern form of competition. Esports could help the Olympics stay relevant in a digital age.

On the flip side, some fear that adding esports could overshadow traditional sports and change the essence of the Olympic Games. It may create divisions rather than unite people, especially if the games chosen resonate with something other than the global esports community.

The debate over whether esports should be an Olympic sport so far has yet to begin. Esports has the potential to bring something new and exciting to the Olympics, but it also faces significant hurdles. Whether or not esports will eventually take the Olympic stage remains to be seen. Still, one thing is clear: the conversation around it is only getting louder.

As we move forward, it's essential to keep discussing and exploring how esports and traditional sports can coexist, both in the Olympics and beyond. What do you think? Should esports be included in the Olympics? If So What Games? Should FPS be included? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!

Sources: Esportsinsider, FINN Partners -, Esports Lane