In an interview with The Associated Press, co-president of the Paris Olympics bid committee Tony Estanguet said that there is a possibility that video games could become a part of Olympic competition in 2024.
Paris has locked up the 2024 Summer Games after Los Angeles agreed to host the 2028 Olympics instead, a result which will be confirmed when the IOC convenes in Lima, Peru next month.
Estanguet said he plans to hold meetings with esports representatives and the IOC in the near future, as the addition of sports to the 2024 Games will be determined after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“We have to look at it because we can’t say, ’It’s not us. It’s not about Olympics,’” Estanguet told the AP. “The youth, yes they are interested in esport and this kind of thing. Let’s look at it. Let’s meet them. Let’s try if we can find some bridges.”
“I don’t want to say ’no’ from the beginning,” he continued. “I think it’s interesting to interact with the IOC, with them, the esports family, to better understand what the process is and why it is such a success.”
Professional gaming has grown in popularity in recent years, players competing for glory in popular video games such as League of Legends and Call of Duty. According to estimates, Global esports revenue will reach $1.8 billion by 2018.
In fact, esports will be a medal event in the 2022 edition of the Asian Games, the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games.
• Josh Luckenbaugh can be reached at jluckenbaugh@washingtontimes.com.
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