From next year, Kiwi esports athletes will have the chance to display their skills and go for gold on the world stage at the inaugural Olympic Esports Games.
The decision to integrate esports into the global sports arena was made last week, on the eve of the Paris 2024 Olympic games, reflecting the growth and popularity of competitive gaming.
Saudi Arabia will host the first Esports Games, following a unanimous vote from the International Olympic Committee.
“This is incredibly exciting for Esports in New Zealand,” said Conor English, President of New Zealand Esports (NZ Esports).
“Adding an Esports Olympic event to the existing calendar of Summer, Winter and Para Olympics will be huge for our esport athletes who will have the opportunity to win Olympic medals, just like other athletes.
“NZ Esports has played it part in getting to this position through direct involvement and advocacy in various internation Esport and Olympic meetings and fora especially in 2023.”
The first Olympic Esports Games will take place in capital city Riyadh and feature a diverse lineup of games.
“Competing at the Olympic level as part of the E Blacks, New Zealand’s national esports team, could soon be within reach,” says NZ Esports CEO, Jonathan Jensen.
“New Zealand is uniquely positioned to take advantage of this opportunity due to its strong history with esports and previous successes on the global stage. In 2022, Regan Kelly won a Bronze Medal at the Global Esports Games in Street Fighter, and the E Blacks, including consistent competitors like Joshua King, have showcased their talent at the World Esports Championships.
“The New Zealand Esports Federation, recognised as a sport in 2020, has accelerated the country’s preparedness to support the selection and training of esports athletes across various titles.
NZ Esports has been actively working with High Performance Sport NZ to prepare athletes for international competition. Through initiatives like the Hyperfibre League, New Zealand has fostered a strong esports culture and community, providing the ingredients necessary to be successful competitors in highly competitive games.
The decision comes as Riyadh hosts the Esports World Cup, a two-month event drawing 2,500 gamers competing for $ 100 million NZD ($ 60 million USD) in prize money.
“The new Olympic Esports Games promise to deliver thrilling competitions and memorable moments. Fans can look forward to witnessing the pinnacle of esports excellence, as players compete for Olympic glory and the chance to make history,” says Mr English.
The post Kiwi Esports athletes set sights on 2025 Olympics appeared first on stoppress.co.nz.
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