In the aftermath of the decision in the 142nd IOC Session at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the International Olympic Committee has announced the creation of the Olympic Esports Games. This changes the dynamic of the games as it takes another level of growth and development – bringing esports to a whole new direction.

This has gained a lot of varied reactions from the esports community so far. But according to former Riot Games executive and COO of Loaded Chris Hopper, it does seem that this is a bold move that will help esports ascend to a bigger audience at hand while also sending the esports world to an expanded scene now more than ever.

For many, this change of direction for the esports world means further recognition in the game, and a promising sight for players who have built a reputation in various games. It cannot be denied that being able to call these players as Olympians sounds more appealing than just esports players to begin with, which says a lot about how it is expected to change the perception of esports and its prominence as well.

A Big Opportunity for Esports

Hopper, who has a lot of experience in league operations, claimed that this will be a promising opportunity for esports to have a bigger and wider audience, as well as ensuring the increase of players who will contend for the various games in the esports. According to Hopper, being able to place esports players in the same category as Olympians does have a nice ring to it.

"I think anytime there's a chance to put esports and, more broadly, video gaming in the right kind of light in an authentic and organic way, and showcase players of the caliber of Olympians — that's an awesome thing," said Hopper. "I view this as being very much in the ethos of the Olympics—trying to provide an opportunity for the greatest competitors to play together on the same stage and provide visibility for that.”

The Olympics will better highlight the skill and mastery of players who do not have a lot of opportunities in their respective countries. Not all countries have all the popular esports, and there are certain countries where a specific esports title may not be popular at all. Furthermore, the Olympic Esports Games could definitely boost the industry as a whole, possibly bringing sponsors, more media exposure, and different benefits that would extend the esports industry’s promising potential.

Addressing Challenges

Of course, esports can benefit from a massive exposure on the big stage, but Hopper also believes that it needs to be managed and handled perfectly if it is going to deliver the desired impact on the industry. However, there are plenty of hurdles that the Olympic Committee will have to address if esports events will be held well in 2028.

"You're going to run into challenges in everything from scheduling to location to qualifier circuits to which games are chosen to be included," said Hopper. "My hope is that with a new focus on long-term competition, some of these national Olympic organizing committees will start to help develop the infrastructure that hasn't natively grown in most major esports."

So far, the IOC has four years to prepare for the inclusion of esports in the Olympic Games. This just means that the whole world could be preparing for a more professional and sustainable esports ecosystem in the long run, with the games definitely taking a bigger spotlight soon.