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The torch has been lit — and it’s digital. That’s the information from dwelling rooms, gaming chairs, and indoor biking trainers worldwide, which collectively function the venues of the first-ever Olympic Esports Series, or OES.
The international occasion is a “virtual and simulated sports” competitors, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) mentioned, and its inaugural iteration kicked off on March 1. Yes, that is actual (or as actual as video video games have been ever supposed to be) — a number of International Sports Federations joined the IOC in sanctioning the video games.
The first video games of the digital Olympiad cowl 9 sports activities, together with baseball, taekwondo, motor sport, and dance.
“Strike your way” to the OES baseball finals in WBSC eBASEBALL: POWER PROS for Nintendo Switch, or punch the fuel and drift to the checkered flag for the motor sport title in Gran Turismo.
It’s unclear whether or not E-Olympians will compete below their nation’s banner, or as free-ranging residents of the planet.
If you’re questioning, “Can anyone participate in the events?” The IOC solutions in its FAQ that, “entry location requirements” apply.
How to Qualify
Various qualifying codecs will weed out the world’s greatest in every E-sport, and athletes should undergo phrases and circumstances.
Six of the sports activities will entertain open qualifiers — within the true spirit of the Olympics, archery, baseball, chess, crusing, tennis, and motor sport will welcome amateurs of all stripes, from any nook of the earth.
Taekwondo, dance, and biking might be invitation-only. In biking, as an illustration, choose qualifiers from the Zwift Grand Prix and 2023 UCI Cycling Esports World Championships will get the chance to experience.
Hardware and software program range — cyclists will, in fact, want a coach rig that meets OES requirements.
But chess gamers? Take no matter you’re studying this text on, go to Chess.com, make an account, and begin parlaying items.
It all culminates in Singapore from June 22 to 25 at a dwell finals occasion known as Olympic Esports Week. Qualifying kicked off on March 1 and ends on May 15.
So, seize the sticks and get after it — should you assume you’ve obtained what it takes to be a world-class E-athlete.