IOC announces first-ever e-sports competition Olympic Virtual Series

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will partner with five International Sports Federations and game publishers to produce the Olympic Virtual Series, the first-ever, Olympic-licensed event for physical and non-physical virtual sports.

In a statement the IOC said the Olympic Virtual Series would mobilise virtual sport, esports and gaming enthusiasts all around the world in order to reach new Olympic audiences, while also encouraging the development of physical and non-physical forms of sports in line with the recommendations of the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020+5.

The inaugural Olympic Virtual Series (OVS), which begins on May 13 ahead of the rearranged Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will include the following International Federations and gaming publishers:

• World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) – eBaseball Powerful Pro Baseball 2020, Konami Digital Entertainment
• Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) – Zwift, Zwift inc.
• World Rowing - Open format
• World Sailing - Virtual Regatta, Virtual Regatta SAS
• Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) - Gran Turismo, Polyphony Digital

All five OVS events will differ in form and concept and will operate via the sport’s respective publisher platform, and fans will have the opportunity to engage and follow the events on the Olympic Channel. Each OVS event will aim to maximise online mass participation and prioritise inclusivity.

FIFA, the International Basketball Association (FIBA), the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and World Taekwondo have confirmed they are interested in joining future versions of the OVS.

Additional information on how to participate, as well as prizes included with select events, will be announced in due course.

Please click here to view the IOC’s statement.