Although opinions on the issue still seem to be split, the dialogue on the future of eSports has begun. At some point, clubs affiliated with the national Olympic committee will have to vote on whether or not the virtual competitions meet their standards. A decision that is currently also being discussed internationally.
COSL president André Hoffmann elaborated: “Even the International Olympic Committee has recently communicated its position on new formats of physically distanced competitions. For instance, there are cycling challenges in which athletes ride on a stationary bike in front of a screen that displays certain route. This means that people compete virtually from their homes.”
Hoffmann noted that this case was easier to treat since there is still a physical challenge involved. Video-game-based sports, however, he believes to be a different matter. At the same time, he did acknowledge that the situation can still evolve in many different directions and that he will keep an open mind.
