Esports may grow to be part of the total programme in time for the 2026 Games
Esports are to be included as a pilot occasion on the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
The inaugural Commonwealth Esports Championships can have separate branding, medals and organisation.
But there’s hope inside the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) that esports may grow to be part of the total programme by the 2026 Games.
Hamilton in Canada, frontrunners for the 2030 occasion, are additionally understood to be eager on esports being included.
Exploring esports is without doubt one of the suggestions outlined within the CGF’s strategic roadmap.
Despite opposition from some traditionalists, others consider such strikes are wanted to have interaction youthful audiences.
“Esports is constant to develop dramatically when it comes to reputation and participation, significantly amongst younger folks, and we’re persevering with to have a look at methods to discover the way it can align with the Commonwealth Sports Movement,” mentioned CGF president Dame Louise Martin.
“This will permit us to overview the long-term relationship between the Commonwealth Games and esports as we proceed to evolve and discover future editions of our occasion and what they might appear to be.”
In December the CGF’s new chief government Katie Sadleir informed the BBC that she was “open minded” in regards to the inclusion of esports within the occasion.
She warned the Games may endure “dramatic change” by the center of the following decade. Future hosts shall be given better flexibility on the sports activities they embrace, with solely athletics and swimming obligatory underneath a brand new plan designed to draw bids.
The results of talks between the CGF and the Global Esports Federation, the Commonwealth Esports Championships will run over two days on the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.
Esports will make its debut at this yr’s Asian Games, with medals being awarded in eight video games.