Sports

Will Esports Make It Into The 2024 Olympics?

France will reportedly talk to the Olympic's governing body about the possibility of adding esports to the 2024 games.

Will Esports Make It Into The 2024 Olympics?
Getty Images
SMS

Video gamers could be winning Olympic gold medals in the future.

A co-president of the Paris Olympic bid committee told The Associated Press that France will talk to the Olympic's governing body about adding esports to the 2024 games.

Right now, France is just considering esports as a possibility, but it has young viewers in mind.

Professional gaming is becoming more popular in France. Last year, an audience research firm found internet users in the country are showing more interest in esports, particularly people in the 15-24 age range.

Considering France's population is over 65 million, that could be a lot of potential fans.

Worldwide, market research has estimated there are 148 million esports "enthusiasts."

As for fielding a team, France alone had roughly 850,000 professional and amateur players last year.

This Study Says Video Games Might Take Young Men Out Of The Workforce
This Study Says Video Games Might Take Young Men Out Of The Workforce

This Study Says Video Games Might Take Young Men Out Of The Workforce

The National Bureau of Economic Research says video games might be taking young men out of the workforce — but many are skeptical of this claim.

LEARN MORE

But adding esports as an actual Olympic event is much easier said than done.

For starters, the International Olympic Committee still needs to recognize esports' governing body.

But that doesn't guarantee anything. The IOC recognizes the governing bodies for bowlingchesskorfball and more than 30 other sports that still aren't Olympic events.

French officials have acknowledged the IOC ultimately has the final say on whether or not esports makes the cut.