Brazil Prepares for the Olympic Debut of eSports in 2027
Brazil – May 9, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com The first-ever Olympic eSports Games are scheduled for 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) has already launched dedicated study groups to explore this new frontier and plan the country’s participation. Within just 100 days of its new administration, COB has made eSports a strategic priority, recognizing their growing influence on the global sports scene.
According to Matheus Figueiredo, COB’s Institutional Relations Manager, the committee aims to understand the eSports ecosystem, develop partnerships, and align with international demands. He emphasized the importance of supporting this emerging discipline and adapting to its innovative nature within the Olympic movement.
The selection of games for the Olympic eSports program is still pending. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stated that selected titles will align with Olympic values, featuring virtualized physical sports, simulators, and non-violent games. The IOC is working in partnership with the eSports World Cup Foundation (EWCF), also responsible for organizing the eSports World Cup.
Figueiredo confirmed COB’s active participation in ongoing IOC discussions:
“We are handling this matter carefully. We are part of the IOC’s eSports conversations to stay updated and shape Brazil’s future strategy.”
He also underscored COB’s role in the national Olympic movement:
“The world is evolving, and we must adapt. As a guiding force in Brazil’s Olympic landscape, COB is committed to transparency and developing clear strategies.”
National federations embrace the innovation
Brazilian sports federations are already being inspired. The Brazilian Table Tennis Confederation, for example, now hosts a Virtual National Championship, modeled after international practices. Figueiredo noted the importance of fostering innovation ecosystems to boost athlete performance in eSports.
“Elite e-athletes require unique preparation—mental, physical, and nutritional—to perform at peak levels. When discussing high-performance, planning and data-driven action are crucial.”
He also commented on Brazil’s potential global role:
“If we aim to compete professionally in eSports, we must lead the way and connect our various sports and tech ecosystems for Olympic impact.”
Rio de Janeiro: Official eSports Calendar and Global Events
The city of Rio de Janeiro has announced an official eSports event calendar running through 2026. This month, Rio will host the Rainbow Six World Championship at Arena Carioca 1. Chandy Teixeira, the city’s Chief Officer for Games and eSports, shared:
“We are proud to be Latin America’s first public office dedicated to electronic sports. Rio is a tourist hub and a natural home for global eSports events.”
The city projects a $7 million economic impact from direct and indirect activities. For instance, during the Free Fire World Championship, hotel occupancy in Barra da Tijuca reached 90%.
Despite progress, key uncertainties remain for the 2027 Games.
“We must applaud the IOC for embracing eSports—but now it’s time to define the official game titles. Countries need time to prepare athletes and compete at the highest level,” Teixeira stressed.
Editó: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com