The Esports Forum discussed the possibility of integrating video games as an Olympic sport in 2024. The event which was held in Switzerland was attended by 150 leaders from the esports and gaming industries, convening under one platform at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne. The two main organizers were International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), they were able to bring representatives from National Olympic Committees, International Sports Federations and athletes who participated in the Olympics.

The main topic of discussion was about exploring areas of ‘commonality’ and ‘potential collaboration’. A news article on the official Olympics website reads, “an organization that represents esports globally does not currently exist, which is why bringing esports to the Olympics was not an immediate concern of the Esports Forum.”

Breaking away from the norm

Last year, the IOC President suggested that ‘violent” video games will not be included in the Olympics even if they do get approved. Bach said, “We want to promote non-discrimination, non-violence and peace among people.” Their decision to bring esports into the Olympics is a welcome shift away from the rigid mindsets of yesteryears.

What’s next for esports and the Olympics?

The groups mainly discussed about possible areas of collaboration and had no plans about bringing esports to the Olympic anytime before 2024. The actual planning for which kind of sports will be held at the 2024 games will start in 2019. Tony Estanguet, the co-president of the Paris Olympic committee confirmed in an interview with the Associated Press that his organization will discuss gaming as an option by the IOC and esports representatives.

The next discussion is scheduled in October at the Olympics in Action Forum in Buenos Aires, it will be attended by members of the Esports Liaison Group and people from the Youth Olympic Games. 

2024 is far off into the distance

So while they candidly talked about the possibility of esports in Olympics, it won’t become a reality until at least 2024. Given the rate at which the industry is growing and creating new jobs, it is safe to assume that when it does make it to the Olympics, reception would be just as welcoming as it is today. 

A brave new industry

Many law groups have started their own divisions that specialize in legal issues surrounding the esports industries and doctors now have specialized offerings to support esports athletes. One only needs to search the keyword ‘esports jobs’ in job aggregating websites such as Glassdoor and rektjobs to find out new job titles springing up.

The celebrity treatment

Top players are now getting treated like pro athletes and can earn millions over the course of their career from prizes and endorsements, also increasing their opportunity to increase their earnings from brand merchandising. The lead gamer Olof Kajbjer said, “In 10 years’ time, it will be as big as NHL.”

Do you think that the esports industry will become large enough to rival the likes of NHL and Football? Let us know your answers in the comments below.