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The IOC's partnership with the Riyadh-based E-Sports World Cup Foundation marks a historic pivot for the organization, as they look to incorporate e-sports into the Olympic framework. Ralph Reichert, CEO of the foundation, envisions a tournament structured like traditional Olympics, where national teams compete rather than club teams. This would tap into the national pride and collective spirit that are hallmarks of Olympic competition.
Reichert notes, “e-sports is still a new sport because it’s only a little bit over 20 years old.” As it garners increasing attention, the IOC aims to establish e-sports as part of a broader global sporting narrative.