Kuwait to host inaugural Asian Esports and Mind Sports Games in 2027
A hosting agreement signed in Nagoya confirms Kuwait as the inaugural host. The Philippines has also proposed staging the second edition in Manila in 2029, with that bid awaiting further discussion.
Kuwait will host the first Asian Esports and Mind Sports Games in 2027 after a hosting agreement was signed at the Hilton Nagoya on September 19.
The agreement was signed by Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani; Sheikh Fahad Nasser Al Sabah, President of the Kuwait Olympic Committee and OCA Vice-President for West Asia; and Kuwait’s Minister of State for Youth and Sports Affairs, Tareq Al Jalahma.
The competition dates and sports programme have yet to be finalised.
At its 110th Executive Board meeting in Nagoya on September 18, the OCA also considered the Philippine Olympic Committee’s request to host the second edition in Manila in 2029. According to the OCA, that proposal will be discussed at its General Assembly in Doha in January 2027; Manila has not yet been confirmed as host.
Editor’s view | Kuwait’s commitment to host and the Philippines’ bid are encouraging signs that more countries are willing to give esports and emerging forms of sport an international stage. That interest points to a widening audience and the potential for a stronger global presence. We hope broader participation will bring a richer sporting calendar, closer exchanges and more opportunities for people to compete, connect and share their passion.
Elizabeth Zhang
Elizabeth Zhang approaches virtual sports with an explorer’s curiosity and a reporter’s notebook. Moving between games, esports and sport, she looks for stories on ground that is still being mapped. She has a soft spot for anything interesting—and a question that keeps her going: where will we find the next great way to play?
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