The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognized competitive esports as a type of sports activity that “can provide a platform for interaction with the Olympic movement.”
This is stated in the resolution adopted by the IOC summit on October 28.
“Esports athletes prepare for competitions and train with an intensity that is not inferior to the training of athletes in traditional sports,” the message says.
At the same time, the IOC decided that for official recognition, esports should not violate Olympic values.
Therefore, another condition on the way to the recognition of esports as an Olympic discipline should be the establishment of an organization that guarantees compliance with the rules and regulations of the Olympic movement (the fight against doping, betting, sports fraud, etc.).
According to research, most esports fans are not particularly concerned about the official status of their hobby.
Nielsen surveys among gamers from the United States, Great Britain, Germany and France showed that only 58% recognize virtual competitions as a sport, and 28% would like to include esports in the Olympics program.
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