A 2015 study forcasted that eSports would reach an audience of 145 million viewers by 2017, so it comes as no surprise that the Olympic committee is looking at including it in their event.
“We have to look at [eSports] because we can’t say, ‘It’s not us. It’s not about Olympics,’ ” Estanguet told the AP. “The youth, yes they are interested in eSport and this kind of thing. Let’s look at it. Let’s meet them. Let’s try if we can find some bridges.”
Estanguet added: “I don’t want to say ‘no’ from the beginning. I think it’s interesting to interact with the IOC, with them, the eSports family, to better understand what the process is and why it is such a success.”
Back in April The Olympic Council of Asia already announced that it would be adding 4 eSports events to the 2022 Asian Games, Dota 2, StarCraft II, Hearthstone and a yet to be revealed sports game (possibly FIFA or NBA).
“There is some time to look at it, to interact, to engage,” Estanguet told the AP. “We will spend some time after (the IOC meeting in September) Lima to engage with new people and stakeholders. … Let’s discuss among ourselves.”