Esports to Split From Asian Games for New Kuwait Event in 2027
Esports will leave the Asian Games after the 2026 edition and become part of a standalone Asian Esports and Mind Sports Games in Kuwait next year. The Olympic Council of Asia confirmed the change, with the first event potentially drawing up to 4,000 competitors and including mind sports such as chess, go, bridge, and checkers. A second edition could go to the Philippines, and the schedule may overlap with the postponed Esports Nations Cup in Saudi Arabia.
The Olympic Council of Asia used the opening of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games to confirm the change. That edition will be the last to include esports, ending a run in which 13 titles and players from over 30 countries took part before the Games close on October 4.
Kuwait will stage the first Asian Esports and Mind Sports Games, with as many as 4,000 competitors expected. Alongside video games, chess, go, bridge, and checkers will feature. A second edition may go to the Philippines. The split was approved in late 2024, and a host agreement was signed on September 21.
The shift may affect elite competitors, national teams, and fans by creating a separate event with a different schedule and host. Mind-sport players could gain a larger platform alongside esports athletes. Kuwait and possibly the Philippines may see short-term tourism and infrastructure attention. If the new Games overlap with the postponed Esports Nations Cup in Saudi Arabia, audiences, sponsors, and players could face divided attention and tighter calendars.