League of Legends has sparked discussions about its potential inclusion in the Olympics, but the game was not part of the 2024 Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has concerns about the game's combat elements, which they say don't match Olympic values.
The IOC plans to launch Olympic Esports Games in 2025.
However, League of Legends isn't currently on the list of games. This decision has created debates in the gaming community about competitive balance and representation.
Some players worry about competitive fairness. Chinese and Korean teams dominate professional League of Legends tournaments. This dominance raises questions about whether the game can offer equal opportunities for all countries in an Olympic setting.
But this situation isn't unique to esports.
Many traditional Olympic sports also see certain countries consistently winning medals. Basketball, for example, has been dominated by the United States national team throughout Olympic history.
The main challenge for League of Legends in the Olympics would be the skill gap between regions.
Teams from China and Korea have superior practice environments and stronger competitive scenes. European teams sometimes compete at high levels, but they rarely win major international tournaments.
The IOC could choose between two formats if they add League of Legends.
They could have national teams, where players represent their countries. Or they could allow existing professional teams to compete. Each choice would affect competitive balance and viewing experience.
For now, League of Legends remains active in other international events. The game is already part of the Asian Games as a medal sport. This inclusion shows that competitive gaming can work in major sporting events.
I'll update this information if the IOC changes their stance on League of Legends.
The esports industry changes quickly, and future Olympic events might include more competitive gaming titles.
