Esports’ rapid growth and its popularity among young people is fully known to the IOCGETTY IMAGES
Int'l e-Sports Federation acting Secretary General Leopold Chung said the organization is “deep in talks” with organizers of the '24 Paris Games about "incorporating the discipline as a demonstration sport at the Games," according to Jack Tarrant of REUTERS. The IOC in November "recognized esports as a sports activity, the first clear indication to the growing industry that it wants to link up." Chung said, “The local Olympic organizing committee and the city are supporting this movement, so this will be a stronger message towards the IOC that esports could be included as a demonstration title in 2024.” Tarrant notes while esports is "mainly driven by the games developers and publishers, the IeSF is the first attempt at creating a global body that could promote esports." The IeSF "currently has 46 members and hosts an annual esports World Championship involving three major gaming titles." The IOC is "fully aware of esports’ rapid growth and its popularity among young people, making it an attractive proposition to refresh its own aging audience and make the Games relevant to a new generation" (REUTERS, 4/25).
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