If you've made it this far, the answer is: TECHNICALLY YES!
Only a few days remain until the start of the Paris Olympic Games, the 30th edition of the modern Summer Olympics. While the world eagerly awaits this upcoming Friday, on July 12th, the first Electronic Olympic Games in 2025 were announced to take place in Saudi Arabia.
I've been talking about these games for some time now, and just like in an Olympic cycle, we have a team prepared and engaged over the past four years.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) clearly states in its announcement about the Electronic Olympic Games, or Elympics:
“The IOC has emphasized that International Federations already involved in an electronic version of their sport being considered for inclusion in the Olympic Esports Games will be the first partners of the IOC. The same will be true for National Olympic Committees that already include esports in their activities.”
The Olympic Esports Series, a test event held in Singapore in 2023, featured the following modalities approved by the International Federations:
Brazilian athletes also showcased their potential during the event. Adriano Carrazza, a native of Minas Gerais and one of the top names in Grand Turismo today, secured 4th place. In the Virtual Regatta, an online sailing competition, José Godinho earned 4th place, while Samuel Solano finished in 9th, both proudly representing the green and yellow flag.
Adriano Carrazza | Grand Turismo
When I say we are prepared, I refer to the technical side. However, we are still far behind in terms of recognition by Confederations and the Brazilian Olympic Committee; and after Paris, the preparation cycle will be just one year.
In Brazil, so far, only the Brazilian University Sports Confederation (CBDU) and the Brazilian Electronic Sports Confederation (CBDEL) have recognized and approved, since 2021, Olympic modalities that already have their virtual versions, such as cycling.
More recently, the Brasília Rowing Federation recognized virtual rowing, just like the aforementioned Confederations.
What is the definition of esports?
Today, we can say that esports have ceased to be just a modality and have become a concept subdivided as follows:
But why are we technically prepared?
Over the past four years, the Brazilian Virtual Competitions have been continuously improving in organizing virtual competitions of Olympic modalities, keeping up with and even anticipating the Olympic esports scenario.
So far, we have carried out the following actions in the Brazilian virtual sports scene:
But who is behind this movement?
We are living in a new era of sports. Just as when the Modern Era Olympic Games were created, when asked about the future, I simply say:
“Don't ask me how, just give us the mission!”
Schubert Abreu
Founder of Brazilian Virtual Competitions.
Brazilian Virtual Competitions are pioneers in promoting virtual sports in Brazil. Founded in 2020 with a focus on Brazilian Virtual Cycling®, the organization expanded its scope in 2024 to include virtual running, rowing, and triathlon. With a commitment to innovation, accessibility, and community, the mission of Brazilian Virtual Competitions is to transform the way Brazilians experience sports.
Comments