IOC/2023 Commissions: creation of an esports commission, gender equality maintained

"Gender equality is maintained across the commission positions (287 men - 296 women) following the historic milestone first reached in 2022. For the first time in history, the IOC is also looking ahead to the future of esports with the creation of a new esports Commission (chaired by David Lappartient, French member of the IOC and president of the French Olympic Committee)," said Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, as he announced the composition of the 33 IOC Commissions for 2023 on 05/09/2023 (document available to download).

"David Lappartient, who led the IOC esports liaison group until the creation of the new Commission, which underlines the IOC’s recognition of the tremendous potential that esports have to engage new audiences and provide new opportunities for athletes and fans alike," said the body.

"The IOC believes that virtual sports have the potential to complement and enhance the traditional Olympic sports, and that they can provide new opportunities for athletes and fans to participate in the Olympic Movement. We believe that virtual sports can…