eSports: "The goal was not the inclusion of eSports in the Olympic programme" (IOC, ESports Forum)

"While the goal was not to develop a pathway towards the inclusion of eSports on the Olympic programme, we have a strong plan for ongoing dialogue and engagement, and are in a strong position to coordinate and support the wider engagement of the Olympic Movement with eSports," said Kit McConnell, IOC sports director, on 21/07/2018, after the 2018 ESports Forum at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne (Switzerland).

"The ESports Forum was a unique opportunity to hear from a wide variety of stakeholders, including some of the top players themselves. There was a consensus that future collaboration will be based on ensuring that any activity supports and promotes the Olympic values," continued Kit McConnell, at the forum which drew over 150 representatives from the electronic sport and video game industry (players, software publishers, teams, media, sponsors and tournament organisers) as well as the Olympic movement (national olympic committees, international sports federations, athletes, partners, broacasters, IOC and GAISF).

"The IOC and the GAISF will now establish an eSports Liaison…