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This initiative marks not the first foray of the IOC into e-sports. Previous attempts, such as the e-sports week held in Singapore in 2023, faced criticism due to the exclusion of popular games like Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, and League of Legends. Feedback from the gaming community highlighted a disconnect between the IOC and the intricacies of e-sports, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of what defines competitive gaming.
As the IOC has yet to announce the specific games that will take center stage in 2027, many traditionalists remain skeptical about the inclusion of e-sports. However, Avila argues that e-sports necessitate a high level of skill, discipline, and teamwork, likening it closely to traditional sports.