Vadym Ilchuk’s Post

[Embracing the Evolution of Esports within the Olympic Movement] As we commemorate just over a year since Singapore's successful hosting of the inaugural Olympic Esports Week (OEW2023), it is with great pride that we reflect on the pivotal role this event played in bridging the gap between esports and traditional sports. The symbolic sight of the Olympic rings gracing an esports stage for the first time during OEW2023 resonated deeply, symbolizing the fusion of time-honored traditions with the dynamic landscape of modern sports culture. Building on the momentum of OEW2023, the vote by the 142nd IOC Session yesterday to formally establish the Olympic Esports Games as a dedicated property within the Olympic Movement marks a significant milestone in the history of sports. This vote underscores a commitment to embracing innovation and inclusivity, shaping the future of sports in a rapidly evolving digital age. As an Olympian, Co-Chair of the Olympic Esports Week Local Organizing Committee, and Global Esport’s Chief Development Officer, I am honored to have been part of this transformative journey. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and our friends at the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia as they embark on charting the course for the Olympic Esports Games. The anticipation and excitement palpable within the global community are a testament to the profound impact of this new chapter, one that embodies the harmonious blend of sporting heritage, technological innovation, and the spirit of progress. Together, we stand at the threshold of a new era in sports—a future where tradition and innovation converge to shape a more inclusive and dynamic sporting landscape.

This has been in development for a while now and it’s good to see that the IOC has taken the next step in making Olympic Esports a reality. I hope, that the IOC puts a lot of thought into what titles should be offered because that will make or break the momentum and sentiment behind this growth. Virtual or digital versions of the current Olympic sports like they have done in the past with archery and taekwondo, does not work. I’m not sure what the games SHOULD be, but at least exploring the worlds of MOBAs (dota/league), Fighting games (tekken8/sf6), perhaps a traditional sports game like (FIFA/efutbol), mobile games (MLBB), and racing games are all genres that are wildly popular and could pose interesting competition. I’d like to push FPS too but I don’t see a reality where valorant, CS2 or COD is globally accepted without major pushback. Needless to say, I’m excited to see these developments and I know we have a large pool of athletes on Guam who could definitely compete! Especially if they are given the resources and training to practice and improve!

Exciting Times for Esports: Olympic Esports Games Announced! The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has officially approved the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, marking a significant step forward in integrating esports into the Olympic movement. This decision, made during the 142nd IOC Session, embraces digital sports within the Olympic framework. The inaugural Olympic Esports Games will be hosted in Saudi Arabia in 2025, showcasing the nation's growing role as a global esports hub. Why This Matters: 1. Youth Engagement: With over three billion gamers worldwide, most of whom are under 34, esports is crucial for connecting with younger audiences. This initiative reflects the IOC’s commitment to engaging new generations of sports enthusiasts. 2. Global Reach: The Olympic Esports Games will attract participants from around the world, celebrating various virtual sports. This inclusive event will uphold Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect, bringing the excitement of esports to a global stage. 3. Economic and Social Impact:Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 initiative, has seen a significant rise in sports participation, including esports, with major investments in infrastructure and professional development. Hosting this event is expected to boost the local economy and enhance the country's position as a global esports leader. The Bright Future of HADO HADO, a groundbreaking augmented reality (AR) sport, is also gaining popularity in the digital sports revolution. By combining physical activity with AR technology, HADO offers a unique and immersive experience that perfectly aligns with the modern digital age. Positive Outlook for HADO: - Innovative Gameplay:HADO’s blend of physical and digital elements creates an engaging sport that appeals to both traditional sports fans and tech-savvy gamers. - Growing Popularity:As more people discover AR sports, HADO is poised for exponential growth. Its inclusion in events like the Olympic Esports Games could propel it into the mainstream, attracting new fans and participants worldwide. - Health and Fitness:Unlike traditional esports, HADO emphasizes physical activity, making it a healthier alternative and appealing to a broader audience concerned with fitness and well-being. In conclusion, the advent of the Olympic Esports Games and the rise of innovative sports like HADO highlight a vibrant future for digital and augmented reality sports. These developments promise to bring new energy and inclusivity to the world of sports, inspiring millions globally. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the historic launch of the Olympic Esports Games in 2025! #HADO #AR #augmentedreality #technosport #Esports

Will Esports Ever Become Olympic Events? The debate over whether Esports should be included in the Olympics has been a hot topic for years. With the rapid growth of competitive gaming and its massive global following, it's no surprise that the conversation has gained momentum. But where do we stand today? . Historical Context: * The International Olympic Committee (IOC) first acknowledged the potential of Esports in 2017, recognizing its growing popularity and competitive nature. * Since then, the IOC has hosted several forums and workshops to explore the integration of esports into the Olympic movement. Recent Developments: In 2021, the IOC announced the Olympic Virtual Series, marking the first official inclusion of virtual sports in the Olympic program. This event featured five sports like baseball, cycling, rowing, sailing, and motor sport. During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Intel hosted an esports tournament in collaboration with the IOC, showcasing games like Street Fighter V and Rocket League. Challenges and Considerations: * Governance: Unlike traditional sports, Esports lacks a unified global governing body, making standardization and regulation challenging. * Game Selection: Choosing which games to include poses a dilemma, given the diverse range of genres and the commercial nature of game development. * Athlete Welfare: Concerns over health and well-being, including screen time and physical activity, need to be addressed. IOC’s Stance: The IOC has expressed a cautious but open approach towards esports. President Thomas Bach emphasized the need for Esports to align with Olympic values, promoting physical activity and non-violence. Global Acceptance: Several countries have already recognized esports as a legitimate sport, with national federations and official tournaments. For example, South Korea, China, and the United States have well-established Esports infrastructures. Potential Milestones: The upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics will feature the Olympic Esports Week, a dedicated event to further explore and showcase the potential of Esports within the Olympic framework. Discussions are ongoing about the inclusion of Esports as a medal event in future Olympics, potentially as early as the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The inclusion of Esports in the Olympics represents a significant shift in the landscape of competitive sports. While challenges remain, the momentum and interest are undeniable. As esports continues to evolve and gain legitimacy, the prospect of seeing our favorite gamers compete on the world's biggest stage is becoming increasingly likely. #Esports #Olympics #Gaming #CompetitiveGaming #OlympicGames

🚀 Conclusion of the Inaugural Esports World Cup: Setting New Benchmarks in Competitive Gaming 🌐🎮 From July 3 to August 25, 2024, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, became the epicenter of competitive gaming as it played host to the inaugural Esports World Cup. With over 1,500 elite players from around the globe and a staggering combined prize pool exceeding $60 million, this event redefined the esports landscape. Across 23 competitions featuring titles like *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III*, *Dota 2*, and *PUBG Mobile*, the gathering was a testament to the ever-growing stature of esports. Held at the state-of-the-art 645,000 square foot venue in Riyadh's Boulevard City, the tournament wasn’t just about competing—it was part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a bold initiative to diversify its economy and reduce oil dependency. The infrastructure included four esports arenas and additional facilities like the stc Play Gaming Hall, signifying the country's substantial investment in the gaming sector. One of the highlights was the Club Championship, where organizations earned points across multiple games, with the top 16 teams sharing a hefty $20 million prize pool. The tournament also saw Atlanta FaZe clinch victory in the *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III* finals, with McArthur Cellium Jovel earning MVP honors. 📺 With 60 global media partners, the World Cup received unprecedented mainstream coverage, marking a pivotal moment for esports acceptance. Structured much like traditional sports, with established leagues, coaches, and training regimens, this event showcased esports' maturity and solid footing in the sports industry. The closing ceremony on August 25th was an electrifying celebration, featuring performances by global artists like Steve Aoki and Kid Cudi, leaving lasting memories for every attendee. However, the event wasn't without its controversies, with critiques labeling it as sportswashing aimed at diverting attention from pressing human rights issues within Saudi Arabia. This inaugural Esports World Cup has set new standards, and we await with bated breath to see how future tournaments will build on this groundbreaking foundation. #EsportsWorldCup #Gaming #Riyadh #Vision2030 #GlobalEsports #CallOfDuty #Dota2 #PUBG #SteveAoki #MainstreamAcceptance #SprottMoney #SilverSqueeze --- Looking to secure your financial future? Check out Sprott Money for premium precious metals products and services. Explore more at https://lnkd.in/gY8b-CxP #SprottMoney

[ENG] I’ve seen many posts celebrating yesterday’s announcement of the Olympic Esports Games (OEG). Setting the hype aside, we must also discuss this event with a critical eye: 🥇 Esports or Virtual Sports? Let's remember that the International Olympic Committee – IOC has maintained a policy that only allows games aligning with their values, primarily using sports simulators. There have been exceptions, such as the Dota 2 competition in the 2023 Pan-American Games, or the Street Fighter exhibition and the use of Fortnite for shooting in the 2023 Olympic Esports Series. The main question here is whether the OEG will include the major esports titles on which the industry has been built, or focus only on sports simulators. 🥈 National Federations and Digital Adaptation: Some federations, particularly those from smaller, under-resourced countries, may struggle with handling the competitive scene of the digital version of their discipline due to a lack of expertise in esports. It will be crucial for these federations to collaborate with organisations and professionals who have more experience in this field. 🥉 Possibly the main benefit of the OEG is the potential to improve the relationship between the esports industry and government bodies. Many countries still lack visas or grants for pro players, as they are not recognised as professional athletes. Giving esports Olympic recognition may change this scenario. In that case, will these benefits be equally applicable to all esports professionals, or only to those participating in games approved by the IOC? (Versión en Español en los comentarios)

ESPORTS IN ASIA!🤟 🌏Asia, a continent known for its rich cultural diversity, fanbase, and technological advancements, has emerged as the frontrunner in the world of Esports, setting new standards and leading the global gaming community. Here are some interesting facts that showcase Asia's excellence in this rapidly growing industry: • Biggest Esports Events: Asia hosts some of the most prestigious and groundbreaking Esports tournaments globally, drawing millions of viewers and participants. • Rapid Industry Growth: The Esports market in Asia is booming, with exponential growth in viewership, sponsorships, and investment, making it a hub for Esports athletes and enthusiasts. • Top Talent: The region is home to many top-tier Esports athletes and teams who consistently succeed on the world stage. • Education and Training: Asian countries and territories are making significant investments in esports education and training programs, nurturing the next generation of esports talent and professionals and establishing Asia's position as the leading ground for Esports excellence. • Massive Fanbase: Esports enjoys outstanding popularity in Asia, with passionate fans filling stadiums, and arenas and tuning in online to witness Esports competitions. 🔥IESF in Asia: The IESF, headquartered in Asia, has been an integral part of the region's esports development right from the start. Notably, one of our biggest and most successful tournaments was hosted here, and we look forward to bringing more exciting events in the future. ❓What to expect: Prepare for our upcoming tournament in this region, where athletes from across the continent will come together to demonstrate their skills and compete for regional recognition and success. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we continue to celebrate Asia's legacy and elevate the Esports community on this continent. #IESF #WorldEsports

Revenant Esports Expands to Europe with Stacked CS2 Roster Indian esports organization Revenant Esports is making a major move by entering the European Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) scene by signing a highly accomplished roster. 🇮🇳🌍 The new European CS2 squad features:   ·        Nathan "NBK" Schmitt ·        Adelin "adeX-" Nica ·        Kamil "reiko" Cegiełko ·        Laurențiu "lauNX" Țârlea ·        Nabil "Nivera" Benrlitom This lineup boasts multiple CS:GO Major winners, champions of prestigious tournaments like BLAST Premier, IEM events, and more. With Patrik "pakesZ" Rozsos as coach and Chris "Jeebs" DeSantis as assistant coach providing veteran leadership, this roster is undoubtedly stacked with talent and experience. According to Revenant Esports CEO Rohit Jagasia, the expansion into CS2's massive European scene aligns with their "strategic vision for global expansion" and opens new monetization and partnership avenues. The team will debut at the Skyesports Championship 2024 as they start their journey to qualify for the upcoming Shanghai Major. They'll be based out of Revenant's boot camp in Belgrade, Serbia. This ambitious European venture adds to Revenant's existing brand partnerships with PUMA Group, AMD, GIGABYTE, Corsair, and others. They aim to forge new sponsorship deals as they go global, especially with European brands. It's an exciting move that puts Revenant Esports and Indian Esports on the map in the highly competitive CS2 landscape. Let's wish them the best of luck! Follow us for more esports content. Join desportz to grow your career in esports. #esports #gaming #cs2 #revenent #ProGaming #SkyesportsChampionship #ShanghaiMajor #EsportsNews #GamingCommunity

Esports World Cup 2024 - Riyadh Future or #SportsWashing? The Esports World Cup (EWC) is shaping up to be a juggernaut in the esports universe with its jaw-dropping USD 60M prize pool. This mega event is not just your average esports tournament; it's set to revolutionize the industry as we know it. Here's what makes EWC stand out: 1. Diverse Prize Distribution: Unlike Dota 2's "The International," EWC's prize pool will be spread across 20 games, making it the ultimate esports extravaganza. It is to be noted, that the Dota 2 prize pools are crowdfunded, unlike EWC's sponsored prize pools. 2. Virtual Olympics: With eight weeks of fierce competition, EWC is supposed to be the Olympics of esports, showcasing the best talent across various games. The prize money is distributed in a new format: Club Championships: $20,000,000 prize pool for the top 16 teams across multiple esports throughout the event. Game Championships: $30,000,000+ distributed among various participating games championships. MVP Bonuses: $50,000 for the MVPs of each game. Qualifiers: $7,000,000 will be awarded before the Game Championships start, as teams and players compete to qualify for available tournament spots. While the massive prize pool is exciting, some industry experts are wary of 'sportswashing,' where individuals, nations, or governments use sports to improve their tarnished reputations and mask poor human rights efforts. So, is this massive investment good for esports in the long run? It's a mixed feeling. While the financial injection can skyrocket the industry, there's a grave need for transparency and accountability to ensure the sport's integrity remains intact. The Esports World Cup 2024 in Riyadh promises to be an exhilarating event, but its impact on the industry's future remains to be seen. Read the full article written by Neeraj Bangera for BluSports Media #BluSports #BluSportsMedia #EGaming #ESportsWorldCup #ESports #Riyadh #ESportsFuture